Steelers Restructure Gilbert

[papillon]

Would they have enough to sign Sheard and McPhee if they released Worilds. McPhee played a lot less snaps than Worilds he was behind Dumervil and Suggs and had 7.5 sacks the same as Worilds who was full-time. Worilds doesn't have a cap hit he was on a tag, so release him and sign two guys each a year younger and one with the same production in many less snaps.

Plus there's the added benefit of making division rivals weaker at the same time.

Pappy

[NJ-STEELER]

read that pouncey and mitchell have also been restructured

[RuthlessBurgher]

Would they have enough to sign Sheard and McPhee if they released Worilds. McPhee played a lot less snaps than Worilds he was behind Dumervil and Suggs and had 7.5 sacks the same as Worilds who was full-time. Worilds doesn't have a cap hit he was on a tag, so release him and sign two guys each a year younger and one with the same production in many less snaps.

Plus there's the added benefit of making division rivals weaker at the same time.

Pappy

Instead of signing Sheard and McPhee, I'd just sign McPhee and then draft an OLB with one of our top few picks. Then re-sign Moats or Harrison for veteran depth. Although they are the same age, McPhee seems like an up-and-coming guy, while Sheard's productivity seems to be trailing off.

[feltdizz]

Is it just me or did Worilds not impress last season? I mean he was alright but 10 million plus a year? Don't know about this? The one benefit is that he does know our system. I guess.

there is no way we pay him 10+ a year.. that was a one time deal when he was tagged.

[hawaiiansteel]

Are the Steelers looking to make a splash in free agency?

By Neal Coolong on Mar 1, 2015



The Steelers will stand roughly $10 million under the salary cap when a restructured contract for Maurkice Pouncey is finalized. An agent expressed curiosity at why those moves were made, if not to make a run in free agency.

An unnamed player's agent told Tribune Review reporter Mark Kaboly he's unclear on why the Steelers are clearing up cap space now, less than two weeks before the start of free agency.

"My question is, why are they clearing so much cap space now," the source said, according to Kaboly.

It seems unlikely the team restructured the contracts of Marcus Gilbert and Mike Mitchell, and will confirm a restructured contract of Maurkice Pouncey this week, because they felt the need to give the players cash to fuel their offseason's activities.

One might argue they did it in order to get above the spending floor as mandated by the collective bargaining agreement. The Steelers were one of 10 teams on pace to finish next season below the required 89 percent cap spending threshold. If that was the reason, it would suggest the team isn't expecting to sign quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to an extension before the start of the league year.

Kaboly's article hints at the possibility of the team preparing to make a splash in free agency. As he noted, the Steelers will have more cap space heading into free agency than they've had "in recent memory." That's a fair suggestion, especially considering the restructures came before the release of any player, which are expected to happen before free agency.

Wide receiver Lance Moore is assured of a release, which will shave another $1.5 million off the cap. A decision will likely be made between Brett Keisel ($1.75 million saved, $250,000 dead) and Cam Thomas ($2 million saved, $500,000 dead). The Steelers wouldn't save much by releasing Troy Polamalu before June 1, but a post-June 1 release (the player's contract is terminated immediately, leaving him free to sign elsewhere, but the salary is held against the cap until June 2), $6 million would be lifted off the cap in time to sign draft picks.

Typically, and by general manager's usual statement each offseason, the Steelers will sign their own pending free agents first. That list includes outside linebacker Jason Worilds, who reportedly will not be signed before free agency begins. He may still return, but it doesn't seem likely, considering the need for experienced pass rushers across the league.

Arthur Moats, Brice McCain and Matt Spaeth are likely to be offered new contracts, given the Steelers' lack of depth at their respective positions. After those moves, even if the top cut candidates are released, it doesn't seem like the Steelers would have enough space available to make a big signing.

It doesn't have to be a signing of massive proportions, though. They signed Mitchell to a five-year, $25 million deal on the first day of free agency last year. If they see a player of that variety available - typically young and experienced players are their targets - they may make a move.

Expect the Steelers to release a few players this week and perhaps sign a few others. The cuts can probably be predicted, but the signings may hold with them more intrigue.

[URL]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-free-agency-news-rumors-signings-2015-steelers/2015/3/1/8129311/are-the-steelers-looking-to-make-a-splash-in-free-agency[/URL]