As the Steelers headed into the new league year in mid-March, they had just 17 players under contract for the 2022 season. This was a sign of an Armageddon for some, despite the fact the team had more than $150 million in estimated cap space for next season.
Now, after the free agent period and draft, the Steelers have 44 players on their roster who are or will be under contract for 2022. And they still have some $67 million in available cap space based on an estimated cap for 2022 of $192.5 million according to Spotrac.com.
That $67 million in cap space is second only to the Colts' $69 million, though Indianapolis has only 37 players under contract, seven fewer than the Steelers.
Critics will say the Steelers' roster includes Ben Roethlisberger, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Eric Ebron, three players working on voidable years. And while that's true, it doesn't include T.J. Watt, whom the Steelers will attempt to sign to a long-term extension before the 2021 season begins. If that doesn't work out, he'll be playing on the franchise tag in 2022.
Point is, Watt isn't going anywhere.
And his contract isn't eating into all of that cap space -- which could be even higher considering the $192.5-million estimate is probably on the low end of things.
Even with a new contract for Watt, the Steelers will still head into 2022 with an abundance of cap space for Mike Tomlin and company. That's a good thing since there's a good chance they'll be looking for their next quarterback.
But with all of that available cap space and all of their draft picks available, their options will be completely open.
The same cannot be said of many of the AFC contenders.
The Browns, who have been cap-rich the past few years, are currently $8.6 million over the 2022 cap. The Bills are $7.7 million over the cap. The Chiefs are $6.3 million under, but have just 36 players under contract.
And Cleveland and Buffalo will have quarterbacks who need to be paid. And life's tough when you're paying a franchise quarterback -- if, in fact, Baker Mayfield is a franchise quarterback, which is debatable. The Ravens have $24 million in cap space, but are going to have to pay Lamar Jackson.
So no, the Steelers aren't in terrible shape heading into the 2022 season, regardless of what happens this season. Yes, getting cap compliant was painful this year, as the team had to watch as players such as Bud Dupree, Matt Feiler and Mike Hilton walked out the door.
That won't be the case moving forward. They'll have enough cap space to keep who they want and add to the roster how they see fit, including finding a Roethlisberger replacement.
YOUR TURN: Are you concerned with the Steelers' long-term future?
