Behind the Steel Curtain - Steelers 2013 salary cap newsA level-headed news-discussion site with a sense of history and communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47293/steel_curtain_fave.png2013-04-05T07:42:40-04:00http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/rss/stream/36184992013-04-05T07:42:40-04:002013-04-05T07:42:40-04:00Steelers Free Agency: bigger picture is alarming
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1lB5vq9w3WH61oVeeqUJGDIOeTQ=/0x0:598x399/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10986115/gyi0060209013.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
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<p>With 48 players signed out of the 51 that will count against the 2013 salary cap, the Steelers find themselves with only $2.07 million of space under the cap. Willie Colon's contract clears post-June 1, providing enough space to sign the 2013 draft class. </p> <p>The salary cap picture becomes clearer as the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> struggle to improve on a team that finished 8-8 last season. But much consternation has been felt in Steeler Nation over the past several weeks as the team teases its fans with its flirtations with <span>Jake Long</span>, <span>Elvis Dumervil</span>, <span>Victor Butler</span>, <span>Dan Connor</span>, <span>Beanie Wells</span>, <span>Ahmad Bradshaw</span> and others, yet cuts <span>James Harrison</span> and <span>Willie Colon</span> to create cap space, all the while watching <span>Keenan Lewis</span> and <span>Mike Wallace</span> and Will Allen leave via free agency, and awaiting a decision by Emmanual Sanders and the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/4/4/4182138/nfl-salary-cap-figures-all-teams-steelers-2013">
<h2>Steelers with $2 million in cap space says NFLPA</h2>
<img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10937517/gyi0063798016.0_standard_730.0.jpg"></a> <span></span>
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<p>In the meantime, the Steelers extend <span>Larry Foote</span> for another three years and bring back into the fold players they let go in years past; <span>William Gay</span> returns from the Steelers' resort compound in Arizona, and <span>Matt Spaeth</span> manages to hold onto the life-line the Steelers threw him. They even re-signed a player unwanted by the rest of the league in <span>Stevenson Sylvester</span> who was initially not even given a tender offer by the team.</p>
<p>Should the pedestrian re-signing of former players be a surprise? The Steelers have long operated on the presumption that "the Steelers Way" is different than that of the rest of the league, but given the circumstances the team now finds itself in, presumably this now means that all else being (loosely) equal, an aging or underperforming former Steeler is better than a younger player who has not been marinated in the Steelers Way and its complex offensive or defensive schemes.</p>
<p>The Steelers are unable to sign either their own or other free agents to improve a team that finished 8-8 last year due in large part to the decision to run the table with the players that got them to the Super Bowl in 2005.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">The Steelers rank 23rd in terms of retention rate of their draft picks since 2008. <span></span>
</div>
<p>Make no mistake about it, it was a well considered decision with the securing of a league leading sixth Lombardi in 2008, and a chance for the seventh in 2010. However, decisions such as this are not made in a vacuum, nor are they made without a price to be paid later on, especially if a presumed strength becomes a liability, taxing the very basis upon which the primary decision was based.</p>
<p>Just as certain as the universe requires a reaction to every action, and the IRS wants to hear from you by April 15, there are consequences for the decisions one makes. While the Steelers chose to "dance with the ones that brought them" by doing the contract restructuring dance, if you choose to dance with the devil, you risk getting burnt.</p>
<p>The current CBA was signed in 2011, and with it came information from the league office to at least 31 teams concerning the impact on the salary cap this new agreement would engender. Subsequent information made public in the spring of 2011 made it clear that there was little cap growth expected for that year, and for 2012, 2013 and 2014.</p>
<p>The 2014 television contract was signed in December 2011. It would stretch the bounds of credibleness to believe the Steelers and the rest of the league didn't have a firm understanding of approximately how the new contract would impact the salary cap starting in 2014 well before it was announced. Yet in both 2011 <i>and</i> 2012, the Steelers chose to restructure numerous contracts of key players in order to get under the salary cap imposed by the NFL during those seasons; specifically <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> (3 times), <span>LaMarr Woodley</span> and <span>Lawrence Timmons</span> (both twice), and <span>Ike Taylor</span> (once).</p>
<p>Each of those restructures are now having a cumulative deleterious effect on the Steelers' ability to upgrade its team in light of last year's record, fading veterans, lackluster backups, and the recent success of the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> and the continuing improvement of the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a> and seemingly even the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a>.</p>
<p>As of 2013, Colbert's decisions have resulted in the Steelers carrying on their books $12.7 million in restructured money from just those players named above. That equates to 10.4 percent of the 2013 salary cap being used to pay for <i>getting under the cap in 2011 and 2012.</i></p>
<p>Granted, Roethlisberger, Woodley and Timmons are cornerstones of the team, but Colbert used those players' contracts to mortgage the Steelers' future (2013 and beyond) in order to afford to play by the League rules in 2011 and 2012, and they had to do that in part because of their inability to successfully draft players who could have replaced other older, expensive yet less effective veterans on the team.</p>
<p>Aging players who are being paid large sums of money now for the successes of the past are carrying this team. Yes, the glory of 2008 and the sixth Lombardi still gives Steeler Nation bragging rights in 2013; yes the Steelers were but a fumble and an interception away from number seven in 2010, which gives comfort to those who think that Kevin Colbert can do no wrong. But the failures of the draft in 2008 and 2009 leave the Steelers with but two players from those drafts still on the payroll, which means little or no roster depth for the Steelers to rotate with many of those same aging veterans. The 2012 draftees <span>David DeCastro</span>, Mike Adams and <span>Kelvin Beachum</span> now are required to carry the weight of their entire draft class as injuries, legal issues or failure to perform engulfed the other four picks, with Alameda Ta'amu's fate now resting in Goodell's hands.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/4/4/4183678/steelers-alamed-taamu-receives-sentencing-in-drunk-driving-case" target="new">Ta'amu Sentenced by Court</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/17/4115178/steelers-free-agency-tracker-signed-players-lost-contracts-nfl-2013">All Steelers free agency moves</a>
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<p>But the impact of the Steelers' choice to dance with their existing stars and Colbert's inability to draft quality replacements doesn't end in 2013. Players such as <span>Steve McLendon</span>, <span>Ziggy Hood</span>, <span>Jerricho Cotchery</span>, <span>Jason Worilds</span>, <span>Heath Miller</span>, <span>Maurkice Pouncey</span>, <span>Cameron Heyward</span>, <span>Marcus Gilbert</span>, <span>Cortez Allen</span>, <span>Curtis Brown</span> and others have contracts coming up in 2014 and 2015, but as things currently stand right now, the Steelers will spend $11.7 million in 2014, and another $11.7 million in 2015, paying for that 8-8 season which, by the way, carried a $7.2 million contract restructuring price that paid for the ignominiously Tebow-ed 2011 season.</p>
<p>In other words, the price Colbert is paying for his failed draft picks and getting under the salary cap in 2011 and 2012 is the equivalent of the Steelers signing at least one of their own free agents (Wallace or Lewis), or a quality, young and capable free agent from another team who might be that missing piece they need to remain not just competitive, but be an actual well rounded force to be reckoned with in the 2013 season and beyond.</p>
<p>As was mentioned earlier, the Steelers have never been known for FA signings, and history and the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a> proves that decision to be wise. But the Steelers used to be known for their drafting excellence, and as a result used to have the ability to let go of a starting veteran who either commanded too high of a price to re-sign, or may be on the downward side of his career, and replace him with a skilled yet affordable second or third year player waiting in the wings. The fates of Colbert's picks these past few seasons however indicates he's lost his touch in making draft picks, and he's already mortgaged the house on the roster of players that brought the Steelers so much success these past seven years.</p>
<p>With so little change or upgrade to the roster that produced an 8-8 season last year, what is the basis for believing in the Steelers returning to Super Bowl caliber play in 2014? Kevin Colbert himself said it would be hard to expect different results with the same roster of players.</p>
<p>The cumulative effect of Colbert's choices, both fiscal and draft-wise is being felt more than ever now. With the Steelers having chosen not to pay the Piper in the past, the Steelers better hope he can regain his magic touch and strike gold in the upcoming draft, or Colbert, the Steelers, and Steeler Nation may find that the price of dancing with the devil can be rather steep.</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">"…<i>you have a self destructive destiny when your inflicted</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><i>and you'll be one of gods children and fell from the top</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><i>there's no diversity because we're burning in the melting pot</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><i>so when the devil wants to dance with you, you better say never</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><i>because the dance with the devil might last you forever</i>."</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">- Immortal Technique</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/4/5/4185064/steelers-free-agency-salary-cap-2013PaVaSteeler2013-04-04T06:37:44-04:002013-04-04T06:37:44-04:00NFLPA: Steelers $2 million under cap, 48 signed
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p4kPKB_vr9rbVHu2MouJk7mzOAM=/0x0:600x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10937463/gyi0063798016.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brendan Smialowski</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>NFLPA assistant executive director George Atallah released their full salary cap numbers for each team, showing there is still a lot of money to be spent.</p> <p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2IiabCp-eWo" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>The NFL Players Association<a href="https://nflplayers.com/reports/RunPublicReport.aspx?report=top51" target="_blank"> has released the current salary cap figures for the top 51 players</a> on all 32 teams, and their numbers show the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> have 48 players signed, and $2,069,760 in available cap space as of April 4.</p>
<p>The Steelers will receive more room June 1, when the release of <span>Willie Colon</span> hits the books.</p>
<p>It's nice to have the exact figures. It begs the question why they're being released now.</p>
<p>NFLPA Assistant Executive Director <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeAtallah/status/319614088437198848" target="_blank">George Atallah posted a link Wednesday</a> via Twitter to the report. Perhaps this is a subtle way of pointing out several veterans, like former Steelers outside linebacker <span>James Harrison</span> and former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> defensive end <span>John Abraham</span> are still on the free agency wire while there are teams with boatloads of cap room.</p>
<p>According to the NFLPA, the combined sum of cap room is over $300 million, and 11 of the 32 teams have $10 million or more in cap space four weeks into the start of free agency and the 2013 league year.</p>
<p>The unadjusted salary cap per team is $123 million, meaning there is more than two entire teams worth of salary cap space available.</p>
<p>Here is the full list.</p>
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<table width="633" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="148">
<col width="100">
<col width="155">
<col width="121">
<col width="109">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td width="148" height="20"><b>Team</b></td>
<td width="100"><b> </b></td>
<td width="155"><b>Previous year carryover</b></td>
<td width="121"><b>Team Cap</b></td>
<td width="109"><b>Cap Room</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><b>TOTAL</b></td>
<td><b> </b></td>
<td align="right"><b>$201,072,624.00</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>$3,811,374,981.00</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>$308,659,814.00</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><b>AVERAGE/TEAM</b></td>
<td><b>Total Contracts</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>$6,283,519.50</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>$119,105,468.16</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>$9,645,619.19</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Arizona <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a>
</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">$3,600,110.00</td>
<td align="right">$114,911,629.00</td>
<td align="right">$11,547,786.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Atlanta Falcons</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">$307,540.00</td>
<td align="right">$120,349,699.00</td>
<td align="right">$2,432,601.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Baltimore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>
</td>
<td align="right">43</td>
<td align="right">$1,182,377.00</td>
<td align="right">$117,521,845.00</td>
<td align="right">$5,356,586.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a></td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">$9,817,628.00</td>
<td align="right">$116,326,886.00</td>
<td align="right">$16,347,532.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Carolina <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a>
</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">$3,654,825.00</td>
<td align="right">$120,044,893.00</td>
<td align="right">$6,187,488.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a></td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">$3,236,965.00</td>
<td align="right">$124,962,260.00</td>
<td align="right">$3,946,995.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Cincinnati <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>
</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">$8,579,575.00</td>
<td align="right">$107,961,734.00</td>
<td align="right">$25,965,197.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Cleveland <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>
</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">$14,339,575.00</td>
<td align="right">$109,838,649.00</td>
<td align="right">$27,269,816.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a></td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">$2,335,379.00</td>
<td align="right">$115,025,651.00</td>
<td align="right">$4,469,505.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a></td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td align="right">$11,537,924.00</td>
<td align="right">$131,433,468.00</td>
<td align="right">$8,327,523.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a></td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td align="right">$466,992.00</td>
<td align="right">$114,719,106.00</td>
<td align="right">$6,767,911.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Green Bay <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>
</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">$7,010,832.00</td>
<td align="right">$113,022,178.00</td>
<td align="right">$17,799,553.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a></td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">$2,422,689.00</td>
<td align="right">$121,233,466.00</td>
<td align="right">$3,813,260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Indianapolis <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>
</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">$3,500,000.00</td>
<td align="right">$112,982,929.00</td>
<td align="right">$11,427,345.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Jacksonville <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a>
</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">$19,563,231.00</td>
<td align="right">$116,671,534.00</td>
<td align="right">$28,387,582.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Kansas City <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a>
</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">$14,079,650.00</td>
<td align="right">$132,842,454.00</td>
<td align="right">$4,153,573.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a></td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">$5,380,246.00</td>
<td align="right">$119,959,660.00</td>
<td align="right">$8,263,667.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Minnesota <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>
</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">$8,004,734.00</td>
<td align="right">$125,380,624.00</td>
<td align="right">$4,412,590.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">New England <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>
</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">$5,607,914.00</td>
<td align="right">$118,852,407.00</td>
<td align="right">$10,299,937.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">New Orleans <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>
</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">$2,700,000.00</td>
<td align="right">$122,563,258.00</td>
<td align="right">$2,055,979.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">New York <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a>
</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">$1,000,000.00</td>
<td align="right">$119,510,326.00</td>
<td align="right">$4,076,958.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a></td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">$3,400,000.00</td>
<td align="right">$113,962,266.00</td>
<td align="right">$12,566,471.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Oakland <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>
</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">$4,504,761.00</td>
<td align="right">$125,009,892.00</td>
<td align="right">$1,673,149.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Philadelphia <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>
</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">$23,046,035.00</td>
<td align="right">$120,563,643.00</td>
<td align="right">$25,747,026.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Pittsburgh Steelers</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">$758,811.00</td>
<td align="right">$122,353,051.00</td>
<td align="right">$2,069,760.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">San Diego <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a>
</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">$995,893.00</td>
<td align="right">$116,885,718.00</td>
<td align="right">$6,128,130.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">San Francisco <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>
</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">$859,734.00</td>
<td align="right">$121,743,497.00</td>
<td align="right">$4,029,822.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Seattle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>
</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">$13,265,802.00</td>
<td align="right">$127,599,117.00</td>
<td align="right">$9,105,008.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a></td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td align="right">$247,347.00</td>
<td align="right">$121,660,284.00</td>
<td align="right">$506,053.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Tampa Bay <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a>
</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">$8,527,866.00</td>
<td align="right">$107,833,452.00</td>
<td align="right">$26,384,270.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Tennessee <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a>
</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">$12,867,893.00</td>
<td align="right">$128,737,121.00</td>
<td align="right">$6,470,792.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Washington <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>
</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">$4,270,296.00</td>
<td align="right">$108,912,284.00</td>
<td align="right">$669,949.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/4/4/4182138/nfl-salary-cap-figures-all-teams-steelers-2013Neal Coolong2013-03-30T08:11:59-04:002013-03-30T08:11:59-04:00Salary Cap Standing after March
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<figcaption>Justin K. Aller</figcaption>
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<p>With the dust all but settled from the free-agency twister which re-arranged parts of the NFL landscape in March, the Steelers are still in relatively good shape as they look forward to the draft.</p> <p>With most of high-profile free-agency all but decided, NFL teams can now begin to focus their energy on preparing for the upcoming NFL draft.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> are still kicking the tires on a few certified, pre-owned models, but with their current situation they may chose to wait until after the draft to offer any more new contracts. Teams are required to be salary cap compliant with the top-51 salaries on the ledger. Pittsburgh is actually in relatively decent shape compared to the nightmare they awoke to upon the conclusion of the 2012 season.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2399351/Top51preApril.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Top51preapril_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2399351/Top51preApril_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1364642999397"></p>
<p>Earlier this week, the NFLPA reported the Steelers had ~$2.5 million in cap space. According to these numbers, they are actually ~$3.5 million; and it's not even our birthday. This cap space is what has afforded the team the opportunity to entertain the likes of <span>Ahmad Bradshaw</span> and <span>James Sanders</span>, although it also explains why they didn't receive immediate offers just for showing up.</p>
<p>When <span>Willie Colon's</span> salary release becomes official at the beginning of June, the team will save an additional $5.5 million, which presumably will be used to sign the team's upcoming draft class; meaning the team only has the space they have now to work with. If they are going to sign someone else before camp, they have to feel assured the player will pay-off.</p>
<p>We're also beginning to get a clear view of the holes the team will most likely fill with the draft, based on the fact the team refuses to allow itself to rely to heavily on first- and sometimes even second-year players. Judging by positions where players have only the current year remaining on their contract, there are plenty of positional opportunities to address for next year and beyond.</p>
<p>QB(1): <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> and <span>Bruce Gradkowski</span> are under contract through 2015. <span>John Parker Wilson</span> is the man on the bubble in this group. He could find himself replaced by another FA QB such as <span>Colt McCoy</span> or <span>Vince Young</span>.</p>
<p>RB(3): <span>Jonathan Dwyer</span>, <span>Isaac Redman</span> and <span>Baron Batch</span> are all playing under single-year deals in 2013. If none of them impress this season, there will be a total makeover in this groups immediate future.</p>
<p>TE(1): <span>Heath Miller</span> may not be 100% when the season opens, but he will return and is here at least next season, too. The coaches remain enamored with <span>David Paulson</span>, leaving only the third TE spot in question moving forward. <span>Matt Spaeth</span> and David Johnson will provide experienced support, but neither are expected to remain in 2014 unless they have severely exceeded expectations in 2013.</p>
<p>WR(3): We know <span>Antonio Brown</span> will be here next year. That is all. <span>Plaxico Burress</span>, <span>Jerricho Cotchery</span> and <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> are not committed beyond this season. The team has several youngsters technically under contract for next year, but they still need to make the team this year first.</p>
<p>OL(0): While many feel a better option could be had at left tackle and guard, every member of the line is under contract through 2014. This is one group which will only see a draft addition because of undeniable talent, a luxury not found throughout the rest of the roster. However, the team does need to prepare itself to offer several of these men new deals, like <span>Maurkice Pouncey</span> and <span>Marcus Gilbert</span>.</p>
<p>DL(2): With <span>Brett Keisel</span> reaching the end of his road, the team will need a quality reserve to backup/push former first-round picks Evander Hood and <span>Cameron Heyward</span> at end; especially with Hood and <span>Al Woods</span> playing on the last years of their respective deals in 2013. With <span>Casey Hampton</span> gone, starting NT duties will fall on Steve Mclendon, whenever he signs his RFA tender. With two unknowns behind him in <span>Hebron Fangupo</span> and <span>Alameda Ta'amu</span>, there is a possibility the team could bring in a player to develop in case McLendon doesn't lock down the job.</p>
<p>OLB(1): The main opening here comes at the expense of <span>James Harrison</span> who was released prior to free-agency. <span>Jason Worilds</span> is expected to take his place, but he is on the last year of his deal, as well. With the shaky past of Chris Carter and the untested talents of <span>Adrian Robinson</span>, the team should select at least one outsider in the draft as insurance, if nothing else.</p>
<p>ILB(1): If <span>Larry Foote</span> can play at a high level in all three years of his new contract, the biggest need in this group revolves around <span>Sean Spence's</span> uncertain future. If Spence can return, ILB is not as important as it seems right now.</p>
<p>CB(1): With Keenan Lewis no longer an option, starting duties will fall to <span>Cortez Allen</span> and <span>Ike Taylor</span>. Taylor is already in his thirties, and the team will need to start planning for his replacement. Too many unknowns persist through the rest of the group, leaving even more reason to believe the Steelers will select at least one in the draft.</p>
<p>S(1): <span>Troy Polamalu</span> and <span>Ryan Clark</span> cannot play forever. <span>Robert Golden</span> was just getting on the field by the end of 2012, and has flashed potential; but he is far from a lock to assume one of the starting roles. Few have been impressed with <span>Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith</span>, and even fewer agree with Bob Labriola and myself about moving recently signed <span>William Gay</span> to the deep secondary. Look for the team to grab a quality player in the draft if one is still available during one of their picks.</p>
<p>ST(?): Nobody ever wants to honestly predict the drafting of a special team-er. Luckily, we shouldn't have to. PK <span>Shaun Suisham</span> is still under contract for two more seasons. Sophomore punter <span>Drew Butler</span> had quite the learning experience in his rookie season, and longsnapper <span>Greg Warren</span> was recently re-signed as well. With all of the other holes on the roster, special teams is the last group needing draft attention.</p>
<p>There is one more thing to consider as we watch Pittsburgh progress through the rest of the pre-season. Teams are allowed to carry unused cap space from one year to the next. This created a cap credit of $758k this year. Should the team only sign draft picks between now and the beginning of the regular season, they can carry this unused space into the future.</p>
<p>When the team is trying to escape the cap problems of the past, they can use any extra help they can get. All the more reason to not sign FAs unless we really, truly need them.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/30/4164004/Steelers-salary-cap-end-March-begin-AprilSteelCityRoller2013-03-15T06:28:10-04:002013-03-15T06:28:10-04:00Free agency salary cap aftermath
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<figcaption>Chris McGrath</figcaption>
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<p>It's been a long three days, and the Steelers have been more active than in years-past, although to mixed reviews from its fan-base. Here's a look at the updated numbers as they stand.</p> <p>Despite losing their third starting player to a new team in as many days, the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> have not exactly been losers of NFL Free Agency, and it appears they are not done yet.</p>
<p>With the first three days of free-agency in the books, the Steelers creep ever closer to the salary cap limit. Here is a look at the updated numbers as of now.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2322173/2013FA51_day2.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2322173/2013FA51_day2_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="2013fa51_day2_medium"></a></p>
<p>There are still a few credits available to the team, although they will be applied later in the process. The same can be said for the savings from releasing <span>Willie Colon</span>. The team will save money from him eventually, but for now his salary must be held against the cap. His savings will be applied after June 1st.</p>
<p>These aren't the only players on the roster. Only the top 51 salaries are held against the cap for now. Other players currently under contract which are ignored by the cap for off-season roster purposes:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2322953/2013FA51_cutlist.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2322953/2013FA51_cutlist_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="2013fa51_cutlist_medium"></a></p>
<p>The Steelers still have a draft-class to sign yet later this off-season, and with holes on the roster yet to fill, they are not done in free-agency quite yet. However, with tight cap constraints, more new signings will mean more cap space needing cleared. Colon's savings are expected to be enough to get the draft picks under contract, keeping the team about $2.5 million under the cap - exactly where they will want to be heading into the season.</p>
<p>By all rights, the team could simply fill the roster with first and second year players and enter the 2013 season still-cap-compliant. However, with several unsecured priority positions left to fill on the roster, Pittsburgh is expected to remain a player in free-agency.</p>
<p><i>Continue to stay up-to-date will all free-agency news with <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com" target="_blank">Behind The Steel Curtain.</a></i></p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/15/4106694/NFL-salary-cap-free-agency-steelers-2013-transactionsSteelCityRoller2013-03-13T09:00:14-04:002013-03-13T09:00:14-04:00Where the Steelers are in terms of the salary cap
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With the first official day of the new league year officially in the books, here is a quick snapshot of the team's current cap situation entering day two.</p> <p>After what felt like an eternity, the March 12 deadline came and went with all the free-agency one could hope for. When the dust finally settled, here is where the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> currently stand with the NFL salary cap of $123 million.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2312559/2013FA51_day1.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2312559/2013FA51_day1_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="2013fa51_day1_medium"></a></p>
<p>As of 4 PM ET yesterday, all teams are now required to be cap compliant with the top-51 salaries on the roster. The Credits column represents the unused cap space from 2012, and the Penalties designation represents dead money associated with 2013, like the releases of <span>Chris Rainey</span> and <span>James Harrison</span>.</p>
<p>Base-level RFA tenders have been offered to <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span>, <span>Steve McLendon</span> and <span>Isaac Redman</span>. <span>Jonathan Dwyer</span> received one as well, but he is the only one to sign his so far. ERFA tenders were handed out to <span>Baron Batch</span> and <span>DeMarcus Van Dyke</span>, with Van Dyke already signing his tender per reports.</p>
<p><span>Mike Wallace</span> signed a prime-time deal in Miami, but the Steelers found another receiver in one of their other UFAs - <span>Plaxico Burress</span> - who was reported to signing a one-year minimum deal, as did TE David Johnson. <span>Larry Foote</span> and <span>Ramon Foster</span> received three-year deals, although actual contract amounts have not been disclosed; numbers in charts are best-guesstimates.</p>
<p>Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com reported from Twitter Foote is scheduled to receive $2.5 million in the first season of his deal. To add his contract to this chart, I treated the base salaries as $1.3 million (2013) and $1.75 million (2014 and 2015), with either a $1.2 million signing bonus or 2013 roster bonus. Foster was reported to receiving three years for a total of six million, with $900k coming as a signing bonus. Stay tuned for updates as more specific information is leaked over the coming days.</p>
<p>With just little over three million in cap space to work with, the second day of free-agency is bound to hold just as much excitement as day-one. <span>Keenan Lewis</span> is still a free-agent, and he has been torturing fans through his social media accounts over who his new team will be; however, a sudden influx of new cap-casualty names into the free-agent pool yesterday may have diminished Lewis marketability a bit. While his price tag is still expected to be more than the team can afford, a lot can happen between now and later.</p>
<p>Another few names should be expected to be added anytime now. The Steelers are still without a long-snapper as <span>Greg Warren</span> is an unrestricted free-agent. The CBA would determine his base salary minimum to be almost a full million, so the team may be considering a switch to someone younger despite Warren's career-consistency. The team still is expected to sign at least one more quarterback, with <span>Charlie Batch</span> confident in his return and recently acquired <span>John Parker Wilson</span>.</p>
<p>Also, expect some number-crunching. The insistence over <span>Willie Colon's</span> release has gotten even louder, with many now pointing their fingers at today for him to be released. The Steelers could still restructure, or extend-then-restructure, some of their larger contracts to clear some more cap space, including Colon, <span>Troy Polamalu</span> and <span>Heath Miller</span>; but as slow as the team was to restructure <span>LaMarr Woodley's</span> contract, releases may be more realistic options.</p>
<p>The team will also be preparing to sign their upcoming draft-class, and we could still see return visits from players like <span>Max Starks</span>, <span>Doug Legursky</span> or <span>Stevenson Sylvester</span>. Continue to follow BTSC for all free-agency updates.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/13/4098150/steelers-salary-cap-nfl-free-agency-2013SteelCityRoller2013-03-10T09:30:05-04:002013-03-10T09:30:05-04:00The heart of the economic issue facing Steelers
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fmFt_i27GDtUQkZb0n7b2q5J_NE=/0x144:4000x2811/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9427393/20130221_mje_ss1_789.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It's not rocket surgery; the Steelers wouldn't have to restructure the contracts of veterans if they have less expensive alternatives in place. They don't because they haven't drafted them. And the size of contracts being given to quarterbacks is a league-wide phenomena only avoided by teams that do not have franchise quarterbacks.</p> <p>Tribune-Review reporter Mark Kaboly does an outstanding job with a feature piece in Sunday's edition regarding <a target="_blank" href="http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/3568268-74/cap-million-steelers#axzz2N8d6QpLm">the Steelers recent trend of restructuring contracts. </a></p>
<p>Some interesting points in the feature: </p>
<p>The previous CBA had brought in huge amounts of money for the players, which is what led to a vastly higher salary cap figure than in previous years. Teams had to spend more, and logically, made it harder to reach the cap. Without a cap in 2010, after the owners opted out of the CBA (their collectively bargained right, and one of the main reasons the lockout happened in 2011), the salary cap dropped $3 million from where it had previously been. </p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>Today on BTSC</strong>:<a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/10/4075754/steelers-roster-2013-depth-chart-positions"> 'Championship Roster'</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/9/4084770/nfl-free-agency-rumors-dolphins-mike-wallace-rashard-mendenhall-steelers">Mendenhall to Miami?</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/9/4084556/nfl-free-agency-news-rumors-mike-wallace-contract-miami-dolphins">Wallace too?</a> </div>
<p>That pushed the usually fiscally responsible <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> to the edge of that cap, just as they began to suffer what all teams with the same problem will have to face in the very near future; the ginormous price of a franchise quarterback. </p>
<p>This isn't intended to get into the contract signed by <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a> quarterback Joe Flacco. It's worth mentioning, though, Flacco's $29 million up front can be argued was back pay for last season, when the Ravens made the unprecedented decision of making their starting quarterback play into the last year of his rookie contract despite having started every game in his tenure. He also won a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Super Bowl</a>, despite playing without a contract the following season. You better believe he's gonna want to get paid, and he should be. </p>
<p>But while everyone praises Ozzie Newsome for making that deal, and bashes the Steelers for restructuring players often, two things need to be pointed out: 1.) Flacco has a $28 million cap hit in 2015. Roethlisberger has never been within $9 million of that. If you think they aren't restructuring Flacco in 2015, there's something wrong with you. 2.) Roethlisberger accounts for three of the team's 13 restructures in the last three years. </p>
<p>While it's true, as Kaboly's article points out (and is supported by the excellent insight of Andrew Zimbalist, an economics professor at Smith College in Massachusetts), that money gets pushed into future years, but the cap number of your starting quarterback is becoming just a delayed bonus. The cap is not going to increase the way many fans suggest it will, and Baltimore, just like Pittsburgh, and Green Bay, and Atlanta, and the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Giants</a> and any other team who signs a quarterback for that market value amount, is likely going to have to ask their quarterback to take a big lump sum in March if they wish to keep other players around. </p>
<p>That's where the financial side of the league is going right now. </p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="LINK%20LINK%20LINK"> </a>
<h2><a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/9/4082242/steelers-free-agency-2013-ramon-foster-depth-chart-offensive-line">Steelers want to make Foster an offer</a></h2>
<a href="LINK%20LINK%20LINK"> <img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9352023/130134176.0_standard_352.0.jpg"></a> <span>The question is, will he sign somewhere else first?</span>
</div>
<p>If <span>Joe Flacco's</span> deal is the highest in the game, what's <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> going to ask for? Flacco plus 20 percent at least. Atlanta's Matt Ryan is going to ask for something similar. If <span>Russell Wilson</span> and <span>Colin Kaepernick</span> (the two are currently poised on the brink of what could be the NFC's two best rivalry games next year) continue doing what they did in 2012, what are they going to ask for, considering they've been paid a fraction of what quarterbacks vastly inferior to them statistically have done? </p>
<p>By 2015, you're going to see a quarter of the league's QBs getting paid around where Flacco is. </p>
<p>It's a vicious circle, and while people can hem and haw as much as they want about how the Steelers have restructured contracts, the fact is, contrary to Andrew Brandt's opinion (he was quoted by Kaboly), the only teams not restructuring right now are the teams without franchise quarterbacks. </p>
<p>Buffalo didn't restructure. Don't think that's not going to come up next year in talks with <span>Mario Williams</span>. The <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a> didn't restructure. They just cut their former quarterback, Matt Cassell, and traded for another cheap starting QB). </p>
<p>It doesn't take an economics professor at Smith College to see what's moving all of this. If Flacco didn't play the way he did in the playoffs, the Ravens do not win a Super Bowl. If Kaepernick didn't create a significant match-up problem for teams on the edge, and lead two ferocious comebacks in the playoffs, the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a> don't have the ball 1st-and-goal from the Ravens' 6-yard line. </p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">The cap is not going to increase the way many fans suggest it will, and Baltimore, just like Pittsburgh, and Green Bay, and Atlanta, and the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Giants</a> and any other team who signs a quarterback for that market value amount, is likely going to have to ask their quarterback to take a big lump sum in March if they wish to keep other players around. </div>
<p>The Steelers restructured a few veterans in the past. Those players, per Kaboly, Roethlisberger three times; Timmons twice; Brown, <span>Heath Miller</span>, <span>Chris Kemoeatu</span>, <span>James Harrison</span>, <span>Brett Keisel</span>, <span>LaMarr Woodley</span>, <span>Ike Taylor</span>, <span>Willie Colon</span> once. These aren't Average Joe Nothing players, and the additional cap hits go only into years in which those players are signed. The real risk comes in releasing those players. Considering five of the 13 releases come from Roethlisberger - who would probably be the last person in the franchise to be cut - and Timmons, who is 27 years old and coming off the best season of his career. Sure, it tacks on a few million between them to future caps, but these are guys the team is and should be committed to for the long term. </p>
<p>They don't have to restructure the Kemoeatus and the Keisels anymore. They've moved past the idea of keeping that nucleus together to make one more championship run. Now, they're in transition. It's just that there are still a few bucks to pay on that. </p>
<p>The team's salary cap issues are not the problem here. Since when did the Steelers go out and sign a bunch of free agents anyway? As Kaboly pointed out, the last big name free agent they signed was Deactivated <span>Duce Staley</span> in 2004. </p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>Steelers Salary Cap News</strong>: <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/2/17/3993280/steelers-roster-offense-defense-salary-cap/in/3618499" target="_blank">Mocking the Steelers Roster</a> <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/2/12/3977594/steelers-willie-colon-contract-salary-cap-release-restructure-2013-2014-2015/in/3618499" target="_blank">Don't Free Willy</a> <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/1/9/3854458/steelers-2013-salary-cap-news" target="_blank">All salary cap articles</a>
</div>
<p>The Steelers of the mid to late 2000s beat teams on the field, and in the draft. Pushing into the 2010s, they beat teams on the field, and did alright in the draft. They're starting to slip on the field, and in the draft, which is why they're forced to restructure; if they had a replacement of similar production to Brett Keisel for one-fifth the price, you don't think they would have cut Keisel? Same with Hampton? These are outstanding veteran players, but not rare, elite talents. </p>
<p>They restructured those players because the inertia of the last few big contracts they gave out caught up to them, and it wasn't met with an increasing salary cap, which was projected at the time the lockout occurred. </p>
<p>Tacking $2 million more onto <span>Lawrence Timmons</span>' cap number is not going to hurt this team. Their lack of ability to chase Dashon Goldston in free agency is not going to hurt this team. </p>
<p>Their lack of ability to find players of that quality in the draft to replace those expensive players when they leave - the way they often have throughout the history of this team during the Salary Cap Era - is what's going to make or break this team's chances of success in the next five years. </p>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/10/4085490/steelers-salary-cap-contracts-restructure-nflNeal Coolong2013-03-02T07:28:39-05:002013-03-02T07:28:39-05:00Steelers under NFL $123 million salary cap for now
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/09rtamBPgQoee4IrtZCOiJiXkUk=/0x60:3273x2242/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8954361/20121118_lbm_al8_400.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Steelers aren't out of the Salary Cap Woods just yet. There are still some decisions to be made involving restricted free agents before the 2013 league year starts March 12. </p> <p>Teams like the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> caught a break when the league announced its salary cap for the 2013 season will be at $123.9 million, instead of the $121 million approximation the public was led to believe heading into the start of the league year March 12. </p>
<p>With recent restructured contracts given to multiple players, and the cap increase, the Steelers are under the $123 million figure, and didn't have to release any players to do it. </p>
<p>With one likely candidate to restructure left, outside linebacker <span>LaMarr Woodley</span>, the Steelers are under the cap if they don't make another move, but there are still lots of moves left to make. </p>
<p></p>
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<strong>Steelers Restructures</strong>: <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/2/28/4040036/ben-roethlisberger-restructures-contract-steelers-save-6-million" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a> <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/2/27/4036976/antonio-brown-restructures-contract-steelers-save-3-million" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a> <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/2/26/4034062/lawrence-timmons-restructures-contract-steelers-save-5-million" target="_blank">Lawrence Timmons</a> </div>
<p>Facing the Steelers immediately in this bonanza of cap space is signing their restricted free agents. </p>
<p>Not all of them will be retained. </p>
<p>It wouldn't be surprising to see <span>Stevenson Sylvester</span> let go, while wide receiver <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> and nose tackle <span>Steve McLendon</span> are likely to remain. The Steelers have a decision to make on running backs <span>Jonathan Dwyer</span> and <span>Isaac Redman</span>, and exclusive-rights free agents <span>Baron Batch</span> and <span>DeMarcus Van Dyke</span> are in the mix as well. </p>
<p>With recent news that <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/1/4042324/steelers-free-agency-keenan-lewis-contract" target="_blank">Steve Breaston did not sign with the Steelers, </a>one can only speculate the contract Breaston was looking for did not fit in with the Steelers' plans, especially with so many other appealing options available in the draft. </p>
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<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/1/8/3850126/2013-steelers-free-agency-nfl-offseason-contracts-roster-signing" target="_blank">Steelers Free Agency stream</a>
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<p>Then, of course, there's the unrestricted free agents. It's sort of strange to even consider <span>Mike Wallace</span> one of those, as no one has expected him to re-sign with the team. <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/1/4042324/steelers-free-agency-keenan-lewis-contract" target="_blank">Keenan Lewis said he had "a secret"</a> recently, and whether that has anything to do with his contract status remains to be seen. However, it could be an unsigned agreement with the team pending another restructure or a release. </p>
<p>It seems <span>Ramon Foster</span> will be allowed to join Wallace in the free agency market, and the releases of <span>James Harrison</span> and <span>Willie Colon</span> are still possibilities. </p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/NealCoolong" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @NealCoolong</a><br><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/2/4056228/nfl-salary-cap-figure-2013-amount-steelers-free-agencyNeal Coolong2013-03-01T06:00:28-05:002013-03-01T06:00:28-05:00Players are temporary investments
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4Krr0Gk7eGxrIt5zxCeq5PPbnwg=/0x655:2655x2425/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8900103/20130110_mje_se2_956.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With a new CBA in place, the fiscal landscape of the NFL is about to suffer a polar shift. Evolving inflation will be lanced thanks to a leveling salary cap.</p> <p><a href="http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2013/02/27/tom-brady-on-new-contract-we-all-make-way-more-than-our-fair-share/" target="_blank">In a recent e-mail to WEEI 93.7 FM</a>, <span>Tom Brady</span> responds to questions about his recent extension, shedding some light on the problems associated with the previous collective bargaining agreement.</p>
<p>According to Brady, "(all NFL players) make more than (their) fair share."</p>
<p>Perhaps my parenthetical paraphrasing appears implicit, but Brady appears to implicate every single one of his peers as being as overly compensated as himself.</p>
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<div class="read-more">
<strong>Today on BTSC</strong>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/1/4042280/steelers-roster-waivers-quarterback-john-parker-wilson-depth-chart">Steelers Sign Wilson</a> <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/1/4043076/2013-nfl-mock-draft-analysis-steelers-prospects" target="_blank">Mocks Head-to-Head</a> <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/1/4042324/steelers-free-agency-keenan-lewis-contract" target="_blank">Lewis has a secret</a>
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<p><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000145672/article/tom-brady-we-all-make-way-more-than-our-fair-share" target="_blank">Marc Sessler covered this report for NFL.com</a>, and assessed Brady as having played below fair market-value for most of his career. Unfortunately, the market-value most people hold current players to is obsolete. The new CBA has completely changed everything.</p>
<p>The old CBA fueled the winds of change which blew players all over the league-landscape through free-agency wind-tunnels. Even though a salary cap was in place, teams with sufficient cap space would overpay for free-agents, which would consequently pad the averages used to estimate following years' caps. Every year, free-agents would sign new contracts to be the highest paid player in the league at their positions; whether they were the best at their positions or not. Incoming draft picks were demanding outrageous contracts without having played any professional ball. The market was well within the grasp of the players.</p>
<p>The new CBA puts an end to all of its predecessor's enabling. Draft picks now receive four-year contracts with fifth year options for first-round selection, and pay is established by formula and not hype. Gone are the days of top-five picks signing contracts larger than established veteran peers. Free-agency is manipulated through minimum team spending limits, and a leveling cap.</p>
<p>The salary cap is currently expected to be nearly $123 million when the March 12th deadline arrives. The cap is expected to see a larger increase when new television contracts take effect; however, the cap will level off again afterward. Contract minimums and rookie wages will help teams by keeping the overhead for development much lower; but, both will only create a recession in free-agency.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">Even though a salary cap was in place, teams with sufficient cap space would overpay for free-agents, which would consequently pad the averages used to estimate following years' caps.</div>
<p>Once teams have adjusted to the newly implemented cap floor this season, their spending will be set with only small increases to the cap in following years. In this CBA determined future, teams will be wary of signing players to unworldly contracts through back-loaded structure.</p>
<p>The old trick was to structure a player's contract to steadily increase throughout the contract, leaving large years at the end to make up the difference. This way a healthy player could restructure the big year through an extension - like Brady signed this year - or, the team could cut the player and shave the remaining non-guaranteed base salary off of their cap ledger. This mindset was based on a perpetually growing salary cap, but a leveling cap will force teams to level out contract structures as well, to ensure an ability to cover the cost in future, undetermined years.</p>
<p>Free-agents, if unwilling to accept deals lower than the previous CBA would have established their market value to be, will find themselves passed over for younger prospects at a fraction of the price. Teams are now forced to view their players as temporary investments.</p>
<p>In a conversation with<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000145780/article/martellus-bennett-we-are-temporary-investments" target="_blank"> WFAN and NFL Network contributor Paul Dottino</a>, <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a> <span>Martellus Bennett</span> hammered several points, which nailed some of the issues facing the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> and their salary cap situation.</p>
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<p>"They have other priorities that come before little ole me. I'm just a small piece of what they're trying to do there. I've come to the conclusion that we are just temporary investments to the owners. Value money and growth over players. Just like any business. Employees aren't as valuable as we use to be. Everyone needs a job."</p>
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<p>Perhaps Brady was accurate in his assessment of the average NFL player making more money annually than the average working-stiff, but even the players are experiencing the effects of a shrinking market, much like the housing market collapse of 2008. Now, players cannot hold free-agency against their original teams during negotiations, because most teams will be looking for cheaper options, unless addressing a need. Those willing to be cheaper options tend to remain employed, but the CBA prevents veterans from making less than new, incoming players.</p>
<p>The Steelers have experienced both sides of the issue this off-season. <span>Mike Wallace</span>, <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> and <span>Keenan Lewis</span> are unrestricted free-agents. The team's current cap situation prevents them from strongly competing with these players' perceived market-values; but are these market values based on the cap in the future, or the cap of the past? Early estimates have projected Wallace to see offers near $10 million per season. With cap leveling setting in, are teams willing to invest a tenth of their total spending allowance on one player, for four or five years? Maybe teams attempting to get above the cap floor may offer free-agents large single or two year deals, but long term deals of this magnitude seem unreasonable knowing the only significant increase in salary cap future comes with the new TV deals.</p>
<p>The leveling cap policies may encourage players preparing to sign their second NFL contracts, to stay with their original team unless there is a significant demand for the individual's talents. Lewis, who could be the team's top corner for the next five seasons if a long-term deal can be reached. While many fall for the old CBA's fear of not being able to match the total worth of his deal, the truth is the total doesn't matter to the modern NFL layer; or at least not as much as guaranteed money.</p>
<p>Players like Lewis, <span>Larry Foote</span> and <span>Ramon Foster</span> could end up taking cheap deals to return to Pittsburgh more to guarantee their jobs, instead of demanding more compensation. Veterans like <span>James Harrison</span>, <span>Willie Colon</span> and <span>Troy Polamalu</span> could contemplate pay-cuts rather than marketing themselves in a new era, for the same reason; because they can be too easily replaced with a draft pick, by cap standards.</p>
<p>Teams will begin to employ strategies much like the Steelers are using this year: squeeze under the first cap deadline, survive free-agency and then let the draft dictate who could be released to clear the most possible cap space after June 1st. Many free agents could find themselves waiting until after the draft to discover their fates. Because of the cap, the draft has become paramount in roster management decisions.</p>
<p>If there is anything positive in this issue for players, the leveling cap should force players to appreciate their employment a bit more. Brady acknowledged players are well compensated, but also the responsibility which goes along with it.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Athletes are always talking about money at a time when everyone else is struggling so badly to make it. We all make way more than our fair share. And I just think it reflects poorly on myself and my teammates. I really do just want to win, and that has and will continue to be the reason that motivates me and is the biggest factor in my decision-making process."</p>
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<p>Perhaps the leveling cap will return every player's desire back to winning team sports, rather than just securing personal gain; although it should encourage each player to do as well as they can as often as they can, to prove worthy of pay-raises.</p>
<p>The influx of inexpensive youth could be numbering the days of the tenured veteran.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/3/1/4038278/nfl-salary-cap-comments-temporary-playerSteelCityRoller