Contracts Steelers Must Consider Cutting in 2024 Offseason
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very up-and-down 2023 campaign. Their offense sputtered for much of the year, they suffered some inexplicable losses, and 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett was effectively benched for Mason Rudolph at the end of the season.
Yet, the Steelers still managed to secure a playoff berth and another winning season.
Pittsburgh isn't facing a full-on rebuild in 2024, but it does have some needs to address. That could include finding a veteran quarterback to push Pickett in training camp.
With a $14.2 million projected cap deficit, general manager Omar Khan may need to make a few changes to fill holes. Below, we'll examine three contracts the Steelers must consider cutting this offseason.
WR Allen Robinson II
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Last offseason the Steelers acquired wide receiver Allen Robinson II from the Los Angeles Rams for a mere swapping of seventh-round draft picks. It was a logical move, as it didn't cost much in terms of trade capital and gave Pickett another veteran presence in his supporting cast.
However, Robinson's last 1,000-yard campaign came in 2020.
Robinson did appear in all 17 games for the Steelers, but he didn't play a prolific role in the offense. He caught 34 passes for only 280 yards and no touchdowns.
While Robinson's experience could be valuable next season, there's no way to justify his price point. The 30-year-old is set to carry a cap hit of $11.9 million, and releasing him would save $10 million in cap space.
Robinson represented a low-risk gamble that just didn't pay off for Pittsburgh. It would be a significant surprise to see him stick around for the final year of his deal.
DT Larry Ogunjobi
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Following a solid 2022 campaign, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi re-signed with the Steelers on a three-year, $28.8 million deal. He went on to have another quality campaign, finishing with 43 tackles, 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble.
However, Pittsburgh has invested in its defensive line recently, using Day 2 picks on defensive linemen DeMarvin Leal and Keeanu Benton in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Given the cap situation, it may be time for the Steelers to go with some cheaper options next to standout Cameron Heyward. Ogunjobi is set to carry a cap hit of $13.3 million in 2024, and releasing him outright would save $6.2 million in cap space.
Releasing Ogunjobi with a post-June 1 designation would save $9.8 million in 2024 cap space.
Ogunjobi is by no means a bad player, but his production doesn't quite match his price point. Pittsburgh needs to bolster a defense that ranked 21st in yards per rush allowed, and moving on from Ogunjobi could be part of the process.
QB Mitch Trubisky
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Pickett won't enter 2024 as the unquestioned starter under center.
"I'm appreciative of [Pickett's] efforts and where he is and excited about continuing to work with him. But certainly, he will be challenged from a competition perspective moving forward," head coach Mike Tomlin said at his end-of-season press conference.
Veteran backup Mitch Trubisky should not be a part of the QB competition. He made two starts in 2023 after Pickett underwent ankle surgery and before being replaced by Rudolph. The Steelers offense struggled in Trubisky's starts and lost both games.
Rudolph kept the starting job even after Pickett was healthy. While he'll be a free agent in March, re-signing Rudolph would make far more sense than retaining Trubisky. It wouldn't be a shock to see Pittsburgh add a new face to the quarterback room as well.
Releasing Trubisky would save $2.9 million in cap space. Releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would save $5.3 million in cap room.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
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