Pittsburgh Steelers free agents 2021: Full list of Steelers free agents, signings, cuts, cap space, franchise tag, more

The Pittsburgh Steelers rank as one of many NFL’s most secure and constant franchises, although they enter an offseason of real uncertainty. The workforce faces vital selections on a number of vital gamers, together with longtime beginning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Between age and damage, Roethlisberger’s sport has proven appreciable put on over the previous few seasons. His declining talent set might need compelled a troublesome determination by itself. Nevertheless, his $41.25 million cap hit for 2021 raises the stakes considerably in a 12 months when the NFL expects the wage cap to plummet. How the Steelers method Roethlisberger and his contract couldn’t solely have an effect on the workforce’s capability to compete subsequent season but in addition whether or not the long run Corridor of Fame signal-caller finishes his profession in Pittsburgh.

Misplaced income attributable to COVID-19 will affect each workforce. Nevertheless, with so many free brokers, the league-wide drop in salary-cap house might make issues troublesome. The 2020 quantity got here in round $198 million with the 2021 quantity probably falling to $176 to $180 million, in keeping with Over The Cap, however is topic to alter.

Choices for franchise/transition tags

The identical participant whom the Steelers franchised final offseason might garner consideration for the tag once more: edge rusher Bud Dupree. The soon-to-be 28-year-old adopted up his breakout 2019 marketing campaign with a equally spectacular 2020, notching eight sacks and, in keeping with Professional Soccer Focus, 43 whole pressures. Pittsburgh’s cap state of affairs makes extending the tag troublesome, although not inconceivable.

Although the Steelers have a number of different pending free brokers value bringing again, none seem significantly prone to obtain a tag. Alejandro Villanueva stays a gentle presence at left deal with however has seen his efficiency dip as he approaches age 33. Wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster hasn’t replicated the manufacturing of his breakout 2018 and, given the workforce’s deep receiving corps, doesn’t seem as integral as different playmakers on the roster.

Wage cap

Estimated 2021 cap house (Feb. 5): -$35,101,664

2021 transactions

Free-agent signings

TBD

Free-agent departures

TBD

Trades

TBD

Notable unrestricted free brokers

* Denotes Restricted Free Agent (RFA)