Over the last week, the Steelers have attempted to shed salary in an effort to get below the $120.4 million salary cap by cutting veterans such as left tackle Max Starks, wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and tackle Flozell Adams, but still remain above the cap.
But apparently help is on the way from a few of the team’s biggest stars.
Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison and Brett Keisel have all agreed to discuss restructuring their contacts in an effort to get the Steelers below the salary cap in time for Thursday’s league deadline.
Roethlisberger signed the largest contract in team history in 2008, agreeing to an eight-year, $102 million deal ($36 million guaranteed) that would keep the Steelers’ franchise quarterback in Pittsburgh through the 2015 season.
One year later in 2009, then 30-year old Harrison signed a six-year, $51.7 million contract after registering 16 sacks and returning a 100-yard interception for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII.
A few months after Harrison re-signed, defensive end Brett Keisel signed a five-year contract worth $18.885 million.
This push to get below the cap came soon after the Steelers resigned cornerback William Gay, punter Daniel Sepulveda, nose tackle Chris Hoke and running back Mewelde Moore.
In addition, restricted free agent quarterback Dennis Dixon decided to sign a tender offered by the Steelers, after he initially decided to test free agency to see if he could land a starting quarterback job elsewhere.
Note: Roethlisberger wore number 78 at practice on Sunday in honor of recently cut left tackle Max Starks who guarded Roethlisberger’s blind side for years.
Image Source – (Photo by Shawn McCullough/Ohio Valley Athletics)
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