Florio: ‘No Coincidence’ Steelers Cleared Cap Space Before NFL Draft

The Steelers don’t have an immediate need for the savings, with the team already having over $12 million in offseason salary cap space, but such a move seemed inevitable at some point this offseason. They could also be gearing up to add someone to the roster with a large 2024 salary cap hit, such as a trade for Brandon Aiyuk or another receiver.

They could look into other players, such as Courtland Sutton. Sutton has spent all six of his NFL seasons in Denver. Nearing the end of his rookie contract, Sutton signed a new four-year, $60.8 million contract with the Broncos in 2021.

Sutton has two years remaining on that deal. He is set to make $13.6 million this season and $14 million next season before becoming a free agent in 2026. Only $2 million of that salary this season is guaranteed, and none in 2025.

He would have come with a pricey cap hit, expensive enough that the Steelers would have needed to move around some chairs on the cap hit board. But now, they can comfortably trade for Sutton if they wish.

The Steelers have been in the market for a wide receiver since trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in March. They’ve struck out on free agents Mike Williams and Tyler Boyd, missing on Williams, who signed with the Jets, and reaching a negotiating impasse with Boyd.