Report: Steelers have released OLB Anthony Chickillo, freeing up valuable cap space

As the Steelers begin to diligently make roster moves over the next two days in order to become salary cap compliant, many announcements are expected. After using the franchise tag on Bud Dupree Monday morning, the Steelers have begun the process of releasing players. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the first casualty is reserve outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo.

Chickillo signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Steelers last off-season. With the majority of his money on the back end, the Steelers will say $5 million in salary cap space for 2020.

Chickillo had a disappointing 2019 season as he struggled with a foot injury and missed five games. On the season he only registered 0.5 sacks and 19 tackles on defense. He only played 143 snaps on defense in 2019, his lowest total since his rookie year.

Used primarily as a special teams player, Chickillo had the first touchdown of the 2017 season when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone in the Steelers’ opening game against the Cleveland Browns.

With the departure of Chickillo, the Steelers look to still have T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree as their starting outside linebackers with Olasunkanmi Adeniyi and Tuzar Skipper in reserve roles should they not add any additional players at the position in the 2020 NFL draft.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare for the 2020 new league year to start.