A QB could be among potential cuts by Steelers

The Steelers must make tough decisions in the coming months as they find themselves in a difficult salary cap situation. Pittsburgh has a projected $331,000 in cap space and an important offseason ahead.

Mitch Trubisky, QB

Trubisky should be one of the first roster casualties. By cutting him, the Steelers will free $8 million against the cap with just $2.62 million in dead money.

Trubisky has regretted signing with Pittsburgh after losing his starting spot to rookie Kenny Pickett.

"Everything happened kind of quick. I didn't really have a long time to think of the decision," he said. "I wish I would've taken some more time and not just signed the first day of free agency.”

Unless the Steelers can mend their relationship with Trubisky, they'll be in the market for a veteran backup. QB Jacoby Brissett has recently been linked to Pittsburgh.

William Jackson III, CB

The move that can save the Steelers the most money is by cutting Jackson III, which would result in putting $12.17 million back in their pockets.

Jackson III never played a down for Pittsburgh after it acquired him at the trade deadline. His injuries are too concerning to pay him that high of a salary. He'll be 31 next season.

The Steelers got good play from cornerbacks Levi Wallace and Cameron Sutton, who combined for seven interceptions. Pittsburgh will probably add cornerbacks in free agency and/or the draft.

Ahkello Witherspoon, CB

Pittsburgh has been searching for a lockdown corner for a while. It had hoped Witherspoon would be that guy after a promising end to his 2021 season. However, it seems it might be best to cut ties with the 27-year-old to save an additional $4 million in cap space.

Witherspoon played in just four games in 2022, posting 20 tackles and one interception. Cutting two corners may be concerning to some, but the two barely played in 2022, and the Steelers still led the league in interceptions (20).

If Pittsburgh retains cornerbacks Arthur Maulet and James Pierre for depth, its secondary will be just fine in 2023.