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The Steelers are still projected to be $7.44M over the salary cap following a few releases last week.
However, The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly isn’t worried about it and believes Pittsburgh could make a big splash in free agency, which starts on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.
“They can create as much money as they need,” Kaboly said on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan. “You can manipulate four or five contracts to create a bunch of money. Cut a few guys here and there.”
Kaboly is right in the fact that the Steelers have several ways they can make more space in terms of the salary cap.
Linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and DT Cameron Heyward could all restructure their long-term deals to free up more space. WR Allen Robinson II is also expected to get released.
Robinson II had just 34 catches for 280 yards and zero touchdowns in 2023 and Pittsburgh would save $10M if they part ways with the 10-year veteran.
If the Steelers were to create a bunch of money, who should they be eyeing?
Kaboly believes there’s one position that makes the most sense.
“I’d much rather create space and go find a cornerback,” Kaboly added. “I don’t know what the Bears are going to do with Jaylon Johnson. I don’t know how much money he’s going to get on the open market … but I’d rather throw money at a guy like that.”
Johnson is an intriguing option after posting 36 tackles, one forced fumble, four interceptions, 10 passes defensed and a touchdown this past season. But he will prove costly to acquire.
The 24-year-old is expected to receive a five-year, $78.71 million deal ($15.7M per year), per Spotrac.
But he would be worth every penny if Pittsburgh was able to pair him with CB Joey Porter Jr. for at least the next four to five years.
Veteran cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace proved they aren’t the answer after getting picked on constantly in 2023.
Going all in on a player of Johnson’s caliber would allow the Steelers to focus on one less position in the 2024 NFL Draft while solidifying another for the foreseeable future.
