With the 2023 NFL season concluding, the Steelers wasted no time this past week in making some early roster moves. The first cuts of the offseason were backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky, offensive tackle Chuks Okorafor, and punter Pressley Harvin. All three were fairly obvious moves as the first two had been benched for poor play during the season and Harvin was maddeningly inconsistent. With about a month remaining until the 2024 NFL League Year officially starts on March 13, the Steelers have plenty of decisions in front of them. Here’s a rundown of the current roster and contract situation. The Steelers are currently one of 11 teams over the $242 million salary cap for 2024 and will have to make a few more roster moves to get into compliance by March 13. Here’s a look at the Steelers current roster and their contract situations.
Quarterback
Under Contract: Kenny Pickett
Pickett is the only quarterback currently under contract. In his year-end press conference, Mike Tomlin indicated the team would like to bring Mason Rudolph back but that Kenny would be given a chance to compete for the starting job during the offseason. Pickett’s rookie contract is fully guaranteed and he will have a $3.8 million cap hit this year. The biggest decision point for the Steelers will come next offseason when they will have to decide whether or not to exercise Pickett’s on 5th year option.
Free Agents: Mason Rudolph
Last offseason around this time, Rudolph indicated he would explore free agency and had no interest in returning to Pittsburgh. After finding no takers on the open market, he returned and quite literally saved the Steelers season down the stretch. With a handful of good film out there, Rudolph will hit the market again looking for the opportunity to compete for a starting gig somewhere. That role may be hard to come by so it would not be a shock to see him back with the Steelers in the fall, but he will certainly test the market.
Analysis:
Cutting Mitch Trubisky saved the Steelers about $2.9 million in cap space but left them with just one quarterback under contract. The Steelers will go to Latrobe with four quarterbacks on the roster. Who the other three will be in addition to Pickett is anyone’s guess. Currently, the Steelers seem to be the odds-on favorites to sign every single quarterback rumored to be available on the market. That includes turnover-machine Justin Fields, cooked Russell Wilson, and the ghost of Ryan Tannehill. Given the Steelers cap situation and their desire to give Pickett a chance to compete for the starting job, it is hard to see them making a big splash move to land a big-name quarterback. In all likelihood, they will sign a journeyman backup to compete with Pickett then reassess the quarterback situation next offseason. Welcome to quarterback purgatory, folks.
Running Back
Under Contract: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren
One of the biggest decisions the Steelers will make this offseason is whether or not to pick up Najee Harris’ 5th year option. The option would guarantee Harris a $6.5 million salary for 2025. If the Steelers don’t pick up the option, Harris would be a free agent after this season. Najee is slated for a $3.5 million cap hit in 2024, the final year of his base rookie deal. An extension, similar to what Cleveland did with Nick Chubb, is also possible to avoid the 5th year option injury guarantees. Additonally, Jaylen Warren is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is slated for a cap hit just under $1 million.
Free Agents: Anthony McFarland, Godwin Igwebuike
McFarland was cut by the Steelers in December as roster spots were being shuffled due to injury. Igwebuike was signed as a return specialist and had a crowning moment against Baltimore where he took advantage of a loophole in the rules to get a kickoff ruled out of bounds. The Steelers will likely bring in a few more bodies for camp, but the 1-2 punch of Harris and Warren will be the focal point of the offense next year.
Wide Receiver
Under Contract: Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin
Both Johnson and Robinson are entering the final year of their contracts. The Steelers signed Diontae to a two-year extension in 2022. Johnson carries a $15.8 million cap hit in 2024, including a $3 million roster bonus due on March 20. The Steelers could save $10 million in cap space if Johnson is cut or traded before that March 20 roster bonus date. Last offseason, the Steelers traded for Allen Robinson and renegotiated his contract, handing over a $3.8 million signing bonus. Similar to Johnson, Robinson has a roster bonus due on March 21 this year. The Steelers would save $10 million of his $11.9 million cap hit if Robinson is cut before March 21. This seems like one of the most obvious moves for the offseason, as Robinson was essentially reduced to a blocking role and struggled to get separation on pass routes. George Pickens and Calvin Austin were both drafted in 2022 and have two years remaining on their respective rookie contracts.
Free Agents: Miles Boykin
Boykin has been a quality special teams player but hasn’t brought much on the offensive side of the ball. The Steelers could look to bring him back as a special teamer but could go another route as well. If he does come back, I would expect the signing to come right before camp after the Steelers explore other options that could bring more in the passing game.
Tight End
Under Contract: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, Rodney Williams
Tight end is the one position where the Steelers do not have any pending free agents. This is one of the youngest groups on the roster as all four are currently on rookie contracts. Freiermuth is entering the final year of his rookie deal, which is typically the time when the Steelers would look to extend a player. Given his injury history, it is unlikely the Steelers would pay Freiermuth top-level tight end money, but any extension would likely be an increase over the $1.9 million cap hit he will carry in 2024. It will be interesting to see how Arthur Smith decides to deploy Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward in the new offense. Given that both are on rookie deals, they will both be on the roster in Latrobe.
Offensive Line
Under Contract: Broderick Jones, Dan Moore, James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, Mason Cole, Nate Herbig, Spencer Anderson
Two of the Steelers biggest free agent signings the last few years have been offensive guards. However, many of these contracts are set to expire after 2024 with only Isaac Seumalo and 2023 draft picks Broderick Jones and Spencer Anderson signed beyond this season. James Daniels has the largest cap hit on the line at $11.2 million. The Steelers could save $8.2 million if he is cut, but given that he is only 26 years old he could also be a candidate for an extension. Mason Cole’s has a $1.5 million roster bonus due on March 21 so a decision on his future is coming soon. The Steelers would save $4.75 million of his $6.3 million cap hit if they cut Cole before March 20. Nate Herbig was signed last year and spent most of the year as a backup and has a hefty $5.5 million cap hit (of which $4 million could be saved if he is cut). Dan Moore is entering the final year of his rookie deal but was also one of the weak spots on the offensive line last year. His future will be dictated by whether the Steelers decide to move Broderick Jones back to his natural position.
Free Agents: Dylan Cook
Dylan Cook was signed as a free agent backup last year and rarely saw the field. Cook is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, so the Steelers could re-sign him for relatively cheap.
Analysis:
The Steelers saved $8.75 million in cap space by cutting Chukwuma Okorafor. He was due a $4 million roster bonus on March 22, which forced the team to make a decision sooner rather than later. The question on the offensive line will be if the Steelers will continue to play Broderick Jones out of position or move him back to his natural spot at left tackle. They could try Dan Moore at right tackle or plug in another draft pick or free agent signing. Center is one of the biggest needs for a starter as Mason Cole sucks.
Defensive Line
Under Contract: Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keanu Benton, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal
The Steelers have some big decisions to make on the defensive line. Walter Payton Man of the Year winner Cam Heyward is entering the final year of his contract with a $22 million cap hit, the second-highest on the team. He has a $16 million base salary that would be saved if he retired, or the Steelers could sign him to a short extension (potentially with voidable years) to spread out those dollars over a few seasons. Larry Ogunjobi was signed to an extension last offseason. He has two years remaining on the extension but the Steelers will need to make a decision on his future by March 17 when a $4.7 million roster bonus is due. The Steelers could save $6 million of his $13.3 million cap hit if they part ways with Ogunjobi before the Ides of March. The Steelers have used draft picks on defensive linemen in the last few years and the trio of Isaiahh Loudermilk (1 year remaining), DeMarvin Leal (2 years remaining), and Keanu Benton (3 years remaining) all have time left on their rookie deals.
Free Agents: Montravius Adams, Armon Watts
Adams has been a solid player for the Steelers but was surpassed on the depth chart by Keanu Benton last year. He could be brought back on a veteran minimum-level contract, but his best role seems to be as a backup and rotational player. Armon Watts was signed in free agency last year and appeared in 15 games, playing only a quarter of the defensive snaps and recording just 15 tackles and a half sack.
Analysis:
The Steelers defensive line is in a state of transition. Cam Heyward has been one of the all-time great Steelers, but will be entering his 13th season and is nearing the end of his illustrious career. Larry Ogunjobi was signed to add veteran stability next to Heyward on a three-down basis. Recent draft picks Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal haven’t delivered to the level of a starter, but Keanu Benton flashed as a rookie and the Steelers have certainly found a playmaker there. Benton will likely be the centerpiece around which they build the D-line of the future.
Outside Linebackers
Under Contract: TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig
Watt was signed to a contract that made him one of the highest-paid pass rushers in the league and rewarded the Steelers by winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, then bouncing back from an injury-hampered 2022 to lead the league in sacks again in 2023. Watt has two years remaining on that contract and carries a $30 million cap hit. The Steelers could restructure his contract or work out an extension to lower the cap hit and create some space this year. Highsmith was signed to an extension last offseason and has 4 years left on that deal, carrying a $14 million cap hit. The Steelers can’t cut him but could restructure the contract to create some cap space. Fourth round pick Nick Herbig only played in about 17% of snaps last season but produced 3 sacks and 27 tackles.
Free Agents: Markus Golden
Golden has been a productive pass rusher throughout his career but at this point is likely best as a rotational backup where he can utilize his strength and bull rush situationally. The Steelers have seen the value in having quality backups over the last few years in the event either of the starters go down. If Golden is willing to come back on a relatively cheap deal to be a backup, he would be worth re-signing.
Inside Linebackers
Under Contract: Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson
The Steelers made a splash in free agency last year, completely revamping the inside linebacker position. They signed Roberts, Holcomb, and Kwon Alexander. Roberts has one year remaining with a $4.7 million cap hit. He got better as the year went on and anchored of the middle of the defense after injuries decimated the position. Holcomb has two years remaining and a $7.6 million cap hit. The Steelers could save $4.4 million if he is released which makes his status for 2024 a bit uncertain. Mark Robinson is entering his third year and is still developing after making the switch from offense to defense during college. He is a tenacious run defender and is still on a cheap rookie contract.
Free Agents: Kwon Alexander, Mykal Walker, Blake Martinez, Myles Jack
Due to injuries, the Steelers had to sign a number of linebackers off the street last year. Kwon Alexander started the year and looked like the best inside backer the Steelers had since Shazier, but tore his Achilles in Week 10. After Alexander and Cole Holcomb were lost to injury, the Steelers brought in veterans Mykal Walker, Blake Martinez, and Myles Jack. Martinez and Jack were seemingly retired when they signed with the Steelers. It would be surprising to see any of the later three brought back. Depending on his injury rehab, Kwon Alexander could be a candidate to bring back to camp.
Cornerbacks
Under Contract: Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr, Darius Rush, Cory Trice
Patrick Peterson was signed to be a veteran presence in the locker room but struggled mightily in coverage. Peterson’s best reps came when he played in the slot and did not have to man up or run deep with guys on the outside. Peterson has a $3 million roster bonus due on March 17 and the Steelers would save $6.8 million of his $9.8 million cap hit if he is cut before then. Reports are that the Steelers want to bring Peterson back but may ask him to take a pay cut. The other three corners under contract are all coming off their rookie seasons. Joey Porter Jr was eased in to the starting lineup and proved to be the Steelers best man defender. Cory Trice was a 7th round pick who was injured in camp and spent the year on IR. The Steelers signed Rush off the Chiefs practice squad in October.
Free Agents: Levi Wallace, Chandon Sullivan, James Pierre
Wallace was a free agent signing two years ago who played out his contract and will be 29 years old next season. Chandon Sullivan was signed to be a slot corner but struggled at times in coverage. The Steelers have been reeling at the slot corner position since Mike Hilton left in free agency. James Pierre played out his rookie contract almost entirely as a Special Teamer. He could be brought back as a depth corner on a relatively cheap contract, if for nothing else than his special teams abilities.
Safety
Under Contract: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal, Trenton Thompson
The Steelers made Minkah Fitzpatrick the highest paid safety in the league in 2022 and have 3 years remaining on that extension. With a $21 million cap hit, the best way to save money this year would be to restructure the contract to convert some of his $14.5 million base salary to a bonus that could be pro-rated over the remaining years of the contract. Potentially, this could lower his cap hit by almost $9 million this year. Last year, the Steelers tried to run a three-safety alignment with Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal both seeing time with Minkah. Unfortunately, this often resulted in Minkah being played more as a box safety rather than his ideal free safety position. Kazee and Neal both have a year remaining on their respective deals. Kazee has a $3.9 million cap hit, of which $3 million could be saved if he is cut. Neal has a $2.7 million cap hit with a little over $2 million eligible to be saved if he is cut. Trenton Thompson performed well enough in training camp last year to earn a practice squad spot and was called up to be part of the roster after Minkah was injured.
Free Agents: Miles Killebrew, Elijah Riley
Killebrew earned a Pro Bowl selection as a special teamer last year after blocking three kicks. He has tremendous special teams value and is a candidate to be re-signed. Elijah Riley made the team out of training camp but an injury cost him half the season on injured reserve. Both of these players are candidates to be re-signed at relatively inexpensive deals.
Specialists
Under Contract: Chris Boswell
Boswell is one of the only players on the roster who would cost the Steelers more in cap space if he was cut than if he was on the team. Boswell’s roster spot is secure and he has three years remaining on his contract.
Free Agents: Christian Kuntz
Kuntz will be a restricted free agent, giving the Steelers some control over his future. He has been an adequate long snapper and they will likely bring him back for another season. With the cutting of Pressley Harvin, the Steelers will need to find a new punter, either on the free agent market or among the college class.
