As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the 2024 season, the spotlight not only shines on the field, but also on the financial playbook that shapes the team's roster.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right).
As crypto enthusiasts track the graphical chart of SOL prices, looking to snap the opportunity to grab the most advantageous moment and catch favorable market movements, Steelers fans are focused on the salary cap breakdowns, crossing their fingers that Omar Khan can cut $30 million from the 2024 payroll and keep the team within budget.
Let's take a closer look at the Steelers' payroll dynamics, highlighting key players and key figures without getting lost in the details.
Team Overview (according to Spotrac)
- Total Payroll: $267,410,558
- Top 51 Contracts: $259,761,673
- Dead Money: $301,115
- Adjusted Salary Cap: $245,522,440
- Offseason Cap Space (w/Top 51): -$14,239,233
- Functional 2024 cap space (est.): -$34,104,314
Steelers' High Rollers
T.J. Watt (OLB)
T.J. Watt takes center stage as the highest-paid player on the team, boasting a contract worth a staggering $30,418,694. His compensation represents 12.39% of the total team payroll, which only underscores his pivotal role in the Steelers' defense.
Cameron Heyward (DE/DT)
Cameron Heyward is one of those guys who command attention from the defensive trenches. His contract is valued at $22,406,250, contributing 9.13% to the team's payroll. The real question is whether the veteran's significance to the defensive line reflects his financial impact on the team's total salary fund.
The player battling with injuries dismissed the idea for him to take a pay cut. However, it's more likely he'll accept the contract extension, given that Cam still believes he has plenty to offer to the Steelers defensive setup.
Minkah Fitzpatrick (SS)
Minkah Fitzpatrick stands tall with a contract totaling $21,355,000, constituting 8.70% of the overall payroll. Fitzpatrick was among the nine defensive players who missed a combined 47 games, alongside Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, Elandon Roberts and many others.
Getty Images
Steelers' Cameron Heyward (97), TJ Watt (90), and Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) celebrate after a big play.
Steelers' Mid-Range Contributors
Diontae Johnson (WR)
As a key offensive weapon, Diontae Johnson commands a salary of $15,833,334, making up 6.45% of the team's payroll. Johnson secured the seventh position on 2023 ESPN's list of the greatest wide receivers in the league.
Alex Highsmith (OLB)
Alex Highsmith holds his ground in the linebacking corps with a contract worth $13,933,000, contributing 5.67% to the team's financial pie. The outside linebacker has 34 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions so far.
ESPN
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith.
Steelers' Frugal Spenders
Devery Hamilton (T)
Devery Hamilton, a cost-effective option for the team, maintains a contract of $795,000, representing a mere 0.32% of the total payroll. Hamilton's modest contract highlights the team's ability to secure talent without breaking the bank.
Duece Watts (WR)
Duece Watts joins the ranks of economic contributors with a contract of $795,000, making up 0.32% of the total payroll. Watts was mostly included in the Steelers' practice squad after being unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
