CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 21, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Ben Roethlisberger’s new contract buys the Steelers much-needed salary cap space. Here are three ways Pittsburgh can use it.
The Steelers front office owes Ben Roethlisberger a debt of gratitude. His recent decision to restructure his contract gives Pittsburgh $15 million more to spend against their 2021 salary cap. That might not be a fortune, but it buys the team much-needed breathing space.
Now it’s imperative that the Steelers put that money to good use. It’s not enough to land one of this year’s elite free agents, but it could acquire a useful veteran in the middle tier of guys available on the open market.
Roethlisberger’s decision could also help the Steelers keep hold of one or two of their own free agents. That might be the best way Pittsburgh can drive real value from their newfound cap space.
Steelers fans should keep an eye on the following three potential moves their team can make thanks to Big Ben’s restructure.
3. Retain Alejandro Villanueva
Roethlisberger might be in a position to directly benefit from his decision to give up some guaranteed money. If Pittsburgh puts that cash towards retaining Villanueva it will help Big Ben stay upright in 2021.
The veteran left tackle is arguably the free agent Pittsburgh most needs to retain. He may not be an All-Pro, but he’s a solid starter at the most valuable position on the offensive line. He’s going to draw strong interest in free agency as a result, but the Steelers might be able to bring him back if they’re willing to offer him a multi-year deal starting somewhere around the $15 million Roethlisberger’s restructure freed up.