There are really two big factors that will impact the Pittsburgh Steelers success the most in 2020. First is health. The top priority will be getting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger back on the field. The other big roadblock facing the Steelers this offseason is how to manage the salary cap and the team’s pending free agents.
As excited as we all are to have Roethlisberger back on the field, getting that $33.5 million cap hit isn’t something anyone is happy about. Especially considering Roethlisberger’s status is going to be in a state of flux throughout the offseason.
Unfortunately, when it comes to Roethlisberger and salary cap relief there isn’t must that can be done. Because of the 30 percent rule, there’s only so far Pittsburgh can cut. I’m not cap expert but from what I gathered, any restructure of Roethlisberger’s contract cannot put his 2020 salary more than 30 percent less than what his 2021 salary will be. Which works out to an option to save just over $3 million against the cap.
There’s always the choice for Roethlisberger to step up and rework his whole contract taking a significant pay cut. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has chosen to take well below market for several years.
When you consider Big Ben’s window to win is closing, do you all think he’d be willing to do that if it meant the Steelers could retain guys like Javon Hargrave and Bud Dupree?
[vertical-gallery id=450709]
[lawrence-related id=458892]