The Pittsburgh Steelers just finished up a very exciting 2023 NFL Draft. The team took two cornerbacks in the draft and is looking to get younger and cheaper at the position, among others. With many returning players on non-rookie contracts, the Steelers will be looking to make some changes and save some money against the cap and it may come at the cost of some current players.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Corner Ahkello Witherspoon warming up before taking the field
Ahkello Witherspoon is a player that the Steelers have been through ups and downs with, after signing him to his latest contract. The Steelers signed Witherspoon to a two-year deal in 2022 after he played the 2021 season in Pittsburgh because of a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. When signed, Witherspoon said the following on his time in Pittsburgh.
"I think the biggest thing was just the familiarity with the defense, just get an understanding in those weeks that I wasn't playing, and the environment and simplicity of the approach to the game and just minimizing the other teams targets, winning in those important moments."
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon warms up prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Could Be Looking To Cut Salary Cap Numbers
Witherspoon's deal was for eight million dollars with an average annual salary of four million paid out. Witherspoon's cap number is actually higher than that four million and might end up being a cap casualty for Pittsburgh before the 2023 season begins.
With the re-signing of James Pierre, the Steelers cornerback room is filling up quickly. Patrick Peterson was brought in during free agency and Joey Porter Jr. and Corey Trice Jr. will come in on rookie deals.
Trice Jr. actually fell in the draft and was projected to be a fourth or fifth-round selection, but the Steelers ended up getting him with the 241st pick. With the corner room filling up, it is tough to see a situation where Witherspoon stays with the team. He could be cut or moved in a trade prior to the season beginning.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers returner Gunner Olszewski didn't have the impact that some expected him to have in 2022.
Another Steelers Player That May Be Moved Soon
Witherspoon isn't the only one who could see his time in Pittsburgh come to an end. Another player is Gunner Olszewski. Olszewski was brought onto the team to be a return specialist plus a depth piece in the wide receiver room in 2022. Like Witherspoon, Olszewski did not have the year that fans were hoping for.
After two fumbles in the first four games, Olszewski was removed from his duties as kick and punt returner. Steven Sims took over the punt-returning job and was an immediate spark for the team.
Sims recently signed with the Houston Texans in free agency. Olszewski, counting for a little more than two million against the cap, is another player that might be moved for a late-round pick or face being cut.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Ahkello Witherspoon (#25) warms up at Heinz Field in 2021. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation
The team now has less than ten million dollars in cap space according to Over The Cap. Moving on from Witherspoon and/or Gunner could save roughly six million in cap space and give the Steelers the ability to make a trade or bring in a free agent to help elevate this already young and talented team into a 2023 Super Bowl contender.
What do you think about the Steelers' cap situation? Who do you think the Steelers should trade or cut? Let us know in the comments below!
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