The Pittsburgh Steelers released two of their higher-paid veterans on Friday, which also happened to be the day pending free agent quarterback Russell Wilson arrived in town.
The team released wide receiver Allen Robinson and cornerback Patrick Peterson, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Field Yates, freeing up approximately $17 million in salary budget space.
Peterson had been playing on a two-year, $14 million contract inked last offseason, which will save the Steelers $6.85 million while leaving them with $2.925 million in dead money, according to OverTheCap. Robinson had a significantly backloaded two-year, $15 million contract; Pittsburgh will save $10 million in cap space versus $1.92 million in dead money.
Both players are former Pro Bowlers who are now well past their peak.
The Steelers now have almost $28 million in cap space for the 2024 season, which could be enough money to solve the sport’s most expensive position.
Pittsburgh hasn’t explicitly stated that it wants a new quarterback, but its present alternatives do not inspire confidence if the goal is to make a postseason push. Kenny Pickett was the former heir apparent, but he has battled with both health and performance. Mason Rudolph has had four years to prove he’s more than a backup, but he hasn’t. Mitch Trubisky has already signed with the Bills.
So, amid indications of interest in Wilson, the Steelers invited him in for a visit on Friday. The former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner will become a free agency when the new league year begins later this month, and he has permission to meet with potential suitors.
The deal will leave the Broncos with a record $85 million in dead cap money, but that is not the Steelers’ concern. Wilson’s stay in Denver did not go well, but athletes have recovered from worse situations. The bigger question is whether Pittsburgh has made a substantial improvement after seven years without a playoff victory.
