Why are the Steelers considering cutting Malik Harrison?
Harrison has not provided the expected level of production at his salary, making him a potential cap casualty.
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ARTICLE DETAIL
Steelers Facing Tough Decisions on Linebackers, Bills TE on the Chopping Block | Cowboys Eye Boye Mafe and Odafe Oweh in Free Agency | Alontae Taylor Signs with Tennessee Titans | Bengals Sign Bryan Cook to Bolster Safety Position | Deebo Samuel Free Agency: Commanders, Dolphins, and 49ers in the Mix | Brandon Aiyuk Linked to Commanders Amid 49ers Exit | Cleveland Browns Navigate 2026 Free Agency: Key Player Movements and Strategies | Detroit Lions Sign Center Cade Mays in Free Agency | Cardinals Land Tyler Allgeier: A Deep Dive into the New Deal | Steelers Facing Tough Decisions on Linebackers, Bills TE on the Chopping Block | Cowboys Eye Boye Mafe and Odafe Oweh in Free Agency | Alontae Taylor Signs with Tennessee Titans | Bengals Sign Bryan Cook to Bolster Safety Position | Deebo Samuel Free Agency: Commanders, Dolphins, and 49ers in the Mix | Brandon Aiyuk Linked to Commanders Amid 49ers Exit | Cleveland Browns Navigate 2026 Free Agency: Key Player Movements and Strategies | Detroit Lions Sign Center Cade Mays in Free Agency | Cardinals Land Tyler Allgeier: A Deep Dive into the New Deal
NFL / Steelers
Steelers Facing Tough Decisions on Linebackers, Bills TE on the Chopping Block
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills are facing tough decisions regarding player contracts as the 2026 season approaches. Both teams may need to cut players to get under the salary cap.
Key Insights
- The Steelers signed linebacker Malik Harrison to a two-year, $10 million deal last offseason, but he is now a potential cut candidate.
- Linebacker Patrick Queen, signed to a three-year, $41 million deal, is also on the potential chopping block despite being a significant investment.
- The Bills may need to cut veteran tight end Dawson Knox to free up cap space. His contract counts for $17 million against the cap, and cutting him could save the Bills between $9.6 million and $12 million, depending on the timing of the cut.
- The Steelers need to find more productive depth at the linebacker position.
In-Depth Analysis
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, teams are evaluating their rosters and salary cap situations, leading to difficult choices about which players to retain. For the Steelers, the performance of linebackers Malik Harrison and Patrick Queen has come under scrutiny, with both appearing on lists of potential cut candidates. Harrison, signed to provide depth, hasn't delivered the expected impact, while Queen, despite a significant contract, has shown inconsistency.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills are grappling with their own cap constraints. Tight end Dawson Knox, a long-time player and Josh Allen's favorite target, has become a potential cap casualty. While Knox is an integral part of the offense, his $17 million cap hit makes him a prime candidate for release or restructuring.
These scenarios highlight the delicate balance between on-field performance, contract value, and team chemistry that NFL front offices must navigate each offseason.
FAQ
What are the potential cap savings for the Bills if they cut Dawson Knox?
The Bills could save between $9.6 million and $12 million by cutting Knox, depending on whether he is released before or after June 1.
Is Patrick Queen likely to be cut by the Steelers?
While Queen is on the list of potential cuts, it's less likely due to the team's investment in him and the lack of proven replacements.
Takeaways
- NFL teams constantly make difficult decisions to manage their salary caps.
- Player performance and contract value are key factors in determining potential cuts.
- Even established players can become cap casualties if their contracts no longer align with their production.
Discussion
Do you think the Steelers should cut either Harrison or Queen? Should the Bills cut Knox or restructure his contract? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources
Disclaimer
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