PITTSBURGH -- After years pressed against the salary cap, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally have solid financial footing as they enter the 2017 league year.
The Steelers showed enough discipline to create a potential cushion of $30-plus million in cap space for free agency and the draft. The space isn't exorbitant compared to the rest of the league, but it's more than enough to handle in-house contracts and add complementary pieces through free agency.
The Steelers' 'top 51' roster equates to $134.125 million in cap liability, according to overthecap.com. The recent signings of long snapper Greg Warren ($1 million) and kicker Chris Boswell ($615,000, exclusive rights tender) will add at least one million to that bottom line, and a few moving parts could swing a few million over the next month.
But with a league-wide salary cap expected to push $170 million for 2017, the Steelers could have a cushion of close to $35 million even before lessening it with Antonio Brown's $13.618 million cap hit with a new deal.
Shaving veteran salary is an option if the team needs more space. The Steelers can free $1.6 million by releasing linebacker Arthur Moats ($2.883 million hit in 2017). If Ladarius Green's injuries persist, the team could save around $1.5 million if they have to move on. His cap hit is $6.187 million, but $5 million of that is a non-guaranteed salary. Corner William Gay, safety Robert Golden and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey offer available space but are still trusted veterans on the team.
Either way, there's plenty available to prioritize business. A few options for the Steelers include:
Signing Le'Veon Bell to a new contract with a reasonable Year 1 cap hit of $8 or $9 million. The team must allow $12.3 million for the franchise tag as a place holder.
Allocate between $6 and $10 million in 2017 cap hits for in-house free agents such as James Harrison or Lawrence Timmons. They can increase this line if necessary.
A rookie draft pool of about $7 million.
A key free agent acquisition might cost $5 or $6 million in Year 1.
Restricted tenders for cornerback Ross Cockrell and offensive tackle Chris Hubbard might run about $4 million.
Extending the contract of an ascending draft pick such as defensive end Stephon Tuitt.
The Steelers will want to carry over future money for protection, but for the first time in a while, they can spend without scratching for every dollar. Most items on that list can be done without any problems.
And if things do get tight, the Steelers can restructure a contract or two.
It's good to have options, especially when a rebuilt defense currently costs less than $50 million in 2017 cap space.
