Steelers Veteran Put On Notice As 1 More Cap Casualty Just Became Likely

The Pittsburgh Steelers made good use of a lot of available cap space when the new league year was getting underway. The financial freedom allowed General Manager Omar Khan to sign some big-name free agents, which helped better the roster as the team will look to win a playoff game during the 2026 season for the first time since the 2016 campaign. The front office still has extensions to consider, as well as agreeing to contracts with however many rookies end up coming to town with the organization's 12 overall selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Khan and company could also still be looking for ways to gain some more wiggle room when it comes to cap space. The franchise typically always spends very close to the number, but Over The Cap currently has the Steelers having roughly $27 million still available. Despite this, there could be ways to make that number grow even higher depending on what happens at the end of April.

Pittsburgh has no reason to release anyone at the moment because it would be smart to wait until the draft commences. If a player comes in after being taken relatively high, then certain players may come off as more expendable. On top of that, the new coaching staff may still be deliberating which contributors should remain in the Steel City moving forward.

Draft analyst Matt Williamson, who often comments on the Steelers, recently joined Breakfast with Benz: A TribLive sports podcast, and went into detail about what Pittsburgh might do when it comes to the inside linebackers' room. He put a veteran on notice, suggesting that Malik Harrison's time with the team may run out very soon.

"I also think Cole Holcomb is a very solid number three," Williamson said. "Who knows when and if this happens — I don't think [Malik] Harrison will be on the final roster. I think his cap space is worth more than he is. [Carson] Bruener is going to be a core special teamer, [like Tyler] Matakevich, [Miles] Killebrew guy, and he's probably gonna make the team."

Harrison signed a two-year deal back in the 2025 offseason, coming over from the Baltimore Ravens. He wasn't necessarily stout in his first campaign with the Steelers, so he might not end up getting to play in the second year of his contract. While it might be a small amount, the Steelers cutting the linebacker would result in roughly $4.5 million in cap savings, but $2 million in dead money.

The draft will determine a lot about Harrison's fate. A small amount of extra cap space could help the Steelers do a number of things, including signing Aaron Rodgers, if the quarterback does indeed want to be paid more in 2026 than he was in 2025. Williamson was careful with how he phrased his thoughts on Harrison, as fans might not actually hear about him getting cut until later on in the summer.

Pittsburgh has a good setup at inside linebacker currently, but it would be surprising if the Steelers did not take someone who plays the position rather early in the 2026 NFL Draft. This hypothetical selection could mark the end of Harrison's brief stint in the Steel City, especially if the front office has plans to utilize the potential cap savings for something specific.

Steelers Clearly In No Rush To Part Ways With Harrison

Just because Harrison hasn't been cut yet doesn't mean he won't be at some point. That's exactly what Williamson was alluding to. The draft, or potentially even a trade, could quickly change the veteran's fate. He wasn't overwhelmingly productive in 2025, so if the front office and new coaching staff want to part ways with him, they won't stay away from doing so because of a contract issue. If anything, the savings will make it easier to let him go.

#SteelerNation