close

Steelers rework contracts, clear cap space

2 min read

The Steelers could be considering placing a transition tag on impending free agent linebacker Jason Worilds for the second consecutive year.

With the deadline to place that tag on Worilds being Monday, the Steelers restructured the contracts of right tackle Marcus Gilbert and safety Mike Mitchell and are in the process of reworking center Maurkice Pouncey’s deal to create nearly $10 million in salary cap space.

Those moves leave the Steelers more than $10.5 million under the $143.2 million some are projecting for the 2015 salary cap.

The NFL won’t inform teams of what the salary cap will be until just before the March 10 opening of the free agency.

After placing the transition tag on Worilds last year, paying him $9.75 million, the Steelers would be required to give him a raise of 20 percent in 2015, meaning he would cost $11 million as a transition player.

Worilds, 26, is ranked as one of the top players who will be available when free agency begins. The outside linebacker tied for the team lead in sacks last year with 7 ½ while recording 59 tackles and one interception.

The Steelers have just one outside linebacker (Jarvis Jones) who was on their regular roster last season under contract for 2015. Worilds, James Harrison and Arthur Moats are to become unrestricted free agents March 10.

Harrison, who turns 37 in May, recently said on social media that he is preparing to play again in 2015. Harrison was coaxed out of retirement last season after Jones suffered a wrist injury. He appeared in 11 games for the Steelers, recording 5 ½ sacks.

The Steelers also could be clearing cap space for a contract extension for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, something that has been identified as their top priority.

Roethlisberger has one year remaining on a contract and will make $11.6 million in base salary this year.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today