Mar 8, 2015 4 min read

The silly season is set to begin in the NFL.

Actually, silly season unofficially began Saturday when the league’s “negotiating period” began.

“Negotiating period” is a dressed-up term for legal tampering, as teams began contacting potential free agents in preparation for the opening of the NFL free agency period at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

While teams aren’t permitted to sign free agents – except their own – until Tuesday, they can contact agents to express interest.

For the Steelers, the Troy Polamalu countdown continues.

The Steelers would like Polamalu, who turns 34 in April, to retire. But the eight-time Pro Bowl player and 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is contemplating playing at least one more season.

If that happens, it likely will not be in Pittsburgh. The Steelers would likely release the longtime face of the franchise if he decides he wants to play next season.

Out of respect for Polamalu, the Steelers haven’t given him an ultimatum, but that could be coming if the team wants to make a move in free agency.

Polamalu is to be paid $6 million this year and has a salary cap value of $8.25 million. If the Steelers release him or he retires, they would gain $3.8 million in cap space. If the move is made with a June 1 designation, the Steelers would gain $6 million in cap space this year, with $2.25 million of his salary being pushed onto the team’s 2016 cap figures.

The Steelers could use the extra cap space if they want to bolster a defense that ranked 18th in the league in both yards and points allowed last season.

Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds has already drawn the interest of at least two teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles.

Worilds, who matched defensive end Cameron Heyward for the team lead in sacks last season with 7½, is expected to draw the most interest among the Steelers’ free agents.

Given the transition tag by the Steelers last year, Worilds was paid $9.5 million on a one-year deal. The Steelers want to bring Worilds back, but will allow him to test the free-agent market.

“We will stay in communication,” said general manager Kevin Colbert. “Maybe he comes back. Maybe he moves on. But he’s been a good player for us and we would love to have him back if it all fits.”

Worilds, 27, is expected to receive a multi-year deal worth as much as $7.5 million per season.

That might be too rich for the Steelers, who are currently about $7.5 million under the salary cap, which was set at $143.28 million.

About $4.5 million of that cap space will be used tendering offers to the team’s three restricted free agents, cornerback Antwon Blake, safety Robert Golden and fullback Will Johnson.

The Steelers have had discussions with center Maurkice Pouncey regarding a restructuring his contract. That could free up as much as $3.8 million in cap space. They have already restructured the contracts of safety Mike Mitchell and right tackle Marcus Gilbert.

There also is the possibility that some veterans, such as defensive linemen Cam Thomas or Brett Keisel, could be released, as happened with wide receiver Lance Moore last week.

If Worilds leaves, the Steelers will likely be forced to sign a replacement. With veterans James Harrison and Arthur Moats also becoming unrestricted free agents Tuesday, Pittsburgh has only one experienced outside linebacker (Jarvis Jones) on its roster.

Philadelphia’s Brandon Graham, Cleveland’s Jabaal Sheard or Akeem Ayers of New England might interest the Steelers.

The Steelers also could be active in the cornerback market, though acquiring a free agent at that position might be too pricey. Ideally, Pittsburgh would like to bring back Brice McCain, who will be an unrestricted free agent, and add at least one rookie in the draft.