Are the Steelers planning something big?
NFL Insider Field Yates of ESPN is reporting that the Steelers have reworked defensive end Stephon Tuitt’s 2021 base salary into a signing bonus, “creating $6.34M in 2021 cap space.”
It’s being reported the Steelers now have over $17 million in cap space for the 2021 season, which General Manager Kevin Colbert would be used for in-season moves.
While the Tuitt restructure was seen as inevitable by some, others are speculating the money may be used to help get a deal done with linebacker T.J. Watt.
It was made officially over the weekend that the Steelers had made a deal with Jacksonville to acquire linebacker Joe Schobert for a sixth round draft pick.
The Jaguars will pay over half of Schobert’s $7 million contract, picking up $3.65 million of it.
The Steelers are taking a small $1.35 million cap hit for Schobert.
Speaking in late July, Colbert said that on average they have about 10 players that go on the Reserve/Injured list so they’ll need money when players go down.
Tuitt had 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, three passed defended and 45 tackles in 2020.