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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.