Analyzing the salary cap savings with Stephon Tuitt’s and David Decastro’s new contract structure

On Saturday it was reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers reworked the contracts of both Stephon Tuitt and David DeCastro. Such a move would free up $13.26 million. Each player will reduce his base salary to $790,000, which is the veteran minimum for their years of service. The Steelers were backed into a corner in regards to the cap as they were over the cap by $5 million. The Black and Gold have moved their cap space into the black by $7,647,724, according to Over the Cap. This was a necessity to be compliant by March 14, the start of the new league year.

Stephon Tuitt before the rework.

2018

$3.5 million base salary

$2.6 million prorated signing bonus

$7.5 million roster bonus

$13.6 million cap hit

New contract

2018

$790,000 base salary

$4.624 million signing bonus prorated

Cap hit: $5.432 million

$8,168,000 cap savings

2019

$6 million base salary

$4.624 million signing bonus

$3 million roster bonus

$13,642,000 cap hit

2020 and 2021

$9 million base salary

$4.624 million signing bonus

$13,642,000 cap hit

2022

$9,048,560 base salary

$4.624 million signing bonus

$11,090,560 cap hit

David DeCastro before the rework.

2018

$3.79 million base salary

$3.2 million signing bonus

$3.79 roster bonus

$10.78 million cap hit

New contract

2018

$790,000 base salary

$4,897,50l million signing bonus

$5,687,500 cap hit

$5,092,500 cap savings

2019

$7,070,000 base salary

$4,897,50l million signing bonus

$11,967,500 cap hit

2020

$8,750,000 base salary

$4,897,50l million signing bonus

$13,647,500 cap hit

2021

$8,750,000 base salary

$4,897,50l million signing bonus

$10,447,500 cap hit

BTSC faithful will read into these restructures. Does this mean that Bell is on the verge of signing a long-term contract? Is this the march towards freeing up enough cap space to franchise tag him and that massive $14.5 million hit that it would entail? Is this just the start to shave off the $16 million the six-time Super Bowl champs have to clear off their books to make bare minimum offseason moves?

Stay tuned to BTSC for updates on the Steelers offseason news.