The Steelers are counting down until June 2. On that day, the $5.5 million of cap space cleared by Willie Colon's contract hits the books.
After LaRod Stephens-Howling and Brian Moorman signings, #Steelers are $392K under the salary cap. Will get $5.5 in space after June 1.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) May 1, 2013
While much of that will be used to sign the Steelers 2013 Draft class, depending on what they find from their upcoming offseason team activities (OTAs), they may clear more room with the release or signing of another player.
The signings of LaRod Stephens-Howling and Brian Moorman could be the last of their free agency moves, however. Stephens-Howling projects as a kick returner and specialty back and Moorman could (very easily) compete for punting duties in 2013.
It would seem like the Steelers would want to bring in a linebacker, if they were going to make a move in free agency. Depth at the buck linebacker spot behind veteran Larry Foote is pretty thin - Stevenson Sylvester didn't receive a tender offer from the Steelers in restricted free agency, then signed a one-year deal with the team when no other team signed him. Sean Spence is not expected to play this season, and rookie sixth-round pick Vince Williams is just that - a rookie sixth-round pick.
Adding a linebacker for depth and special teams isn't a rare move for the team, either. It's not a guarantee but something to watch for as the Steelers will conduct rookie minicamp this weekend in Pittsburgh.