Report: Ahmad Bradshaw cleared by doctors, Steelers still interested

A Pro Football Talk report Friday says free agent running back Ahmad Bradshaw has been cleared by doctors, and the Steelers still maintain interest.

The question is whether they can afford him.

The Steelers had to shell out another $1.2 million to match New England's offer sheet signed by Emmanuel Sanders, and worked a few dollars off that new sum with an extension given to nose tackle Steve McLendon. Reports suggest the Steelers are approximately $1 million under the cap.

In other words, the only way they're going to be in the ballpark with Bradshaw, who can command at least around that $1 million range for the 2013 season, is if they make a cut and/or restructure a player.

Will they be willing to do that?

Depending on how the second and third rounds go today, they may be in a better position depth-wise in one area and can afford to make a cut that would result in a net savings against the cap. Or perhaps Bradshaw would merely be a contingency plan in case they can't get a running back they've had their eyes on this evaluation period.

Stay tuned, rounds 2 and 3 look to be very active.