PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have to make some moves this offseason to try and get themselves under the estimated salary cap ceiling of $242.5 million. Currently, they sit $15.149 million over the cap, but with two quick moves, they could find themselves beneath it with plenty of options to add more money this offseason.
The Steelers’ easiest way to create the $15.149 million in cap space is by releasing wide receiver Allen Robinson and moving on from offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor.
With the release of Robinson, the Steelers would save $10 million on their books. ESPN recently predicted the team would move on from the veteran wideout, and with a cap hit as high as his, it’s likely the best option.
Bringing him back on a smaller deal could be on the table, but for now, the easiest way to get yourself below the salary cap is by releasing him.
If Okorafor is released or traded before March 18, the Steelers will save $8.75 million in cap space. The former starter is just 26 years old and has two seasons of experience as their top right tackle. Chances are, they can find a suitor for him via trade, landing them a draft pick while creating cap space.
Those two moves get the Steelers $2.1 million under the $242.5 estimated salary cap.
From there, the team has plenty of options. If they release quarterback Mitch Trubisky on June 1, they gain $5.25 million. The release of cornerback Patrick Peterson could save them $6.85 million, and safety Keanu Neal would save $2.25 million.
Releasing center Mason Cole would save another $4.7 million.
Pittsburgh could get into restructuring contracts such as Cam Heyward’s and Alex Highsmith’s, and if they choose to extend Diontae Johnson, they have the option to space out his $15.8 million cap hit.
Nothing comes easy in the NFL, but the Steelers have options to get themselves beneath the cap before free agency begins. From there, they have to figure out how to create enough money to make a choice at quarterback, likely signing Mason Rudolph to a new deal.
Decisions will be made across the board, but to start, two moves get them to where they need to be.
