3 Contracts the Steelers Need to Restructure to Create Cap Space

There aren't many NFL teams that have endured a more lackadaisical offseason than the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the lack of urgency from general manager Stephen Colbert hasn't been by choice. The team's financial constraints have made it nearly impossible to make a splash.

It's also forced Pittsburgh to part ways with players like linebacker Mark Barron and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. There's still time for the Steelers to salvage their offseason via trade or free agency -- they better because they only have one draft pick in the top 100.

Before Colbert looks to do that, he'll need to restructure the contracts of these three players.

3. Vince Williams

Steelers LB Vince Williams / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

It's hard to say if the Steelers regret giving Williams a four-year, $20.6 million contract extension ahead of the 2018 season. What's pretty black and white, however, is the fact that he's regressed in each year since his breakout campaign in 2018. The 30-year-old vet's contract has a $7.03 cap hit for the upcoming season. Considering that Williams started just 8 games in 2019, Pittsburgh needs to get down to business in regards to remodeling his deal.

2. Steven Nelson

Steelers CB Steven Nelson / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

We'll be the first to acknowledge that Nelson is grossly underrated. Across the last four campaigns, the 27-year-old has recorded a whopping 43 pass deflections. That speaks volumes to his coverage skills. However, the Steelers should have no business conceding a $7.08 million cap hit for their third-best defensive back. As good as Nelson is, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joe Haden are the top dogs in Pittsburgh.

1. Stephon Tuitt

Steelers DT Stephon Tuitt / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Tuitt hasn't played a full 16-game season since his rookie campaign in 2014, and he's still one of the Steelers' highest-paid players. In fact, Tuitt's $14.94 million cap hit for 2020 is the third-highest on the team. That's ridiculous for a player that's never been named to a Pro Bowl. Injuries limited the 26-year-old to just six games last season, so Pittsburgh really has no choice but to reshuffle his deal. Tuitt's cap hit is more than double than what the Steelers currently have to work with: just under $7.2 million.