Steelers Restructure Highsmith’s Contract, Saving Cap Space for Potential Roster Moves
The Pittsburgh Steelers have restructured the contract of outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, freeing up $7 million in salary cap space for 2024. This strategic move has prompted speculation about the team’s plans for the upcoming season.
With the restructure, Highsmith’s cap hit drops to $6.7 million for 2024, providing the Steelers with additional financial flexibility. The savings will be spread out over the remaining three years of his contract. NFL insider Mike Florio suggests that this move could indicate further roster changes.
The Steelers currently have over $12 million in offseason salary cap space, but the restructure positions them to accommodate a player with a significant cap hit in 2024. Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, has been a rumored trade target for the Steelers. Courtland Sutton, a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, is another potential option.
Sutton, nearing the end of his rookie contract, has two years remaining on a deal that includes a cap hit of $13.6 million in 2024. The Steelers’ newfound cap space could enable them to trade for Sutton and bolster their wide receiver corps.
Since trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, the Steelers have been actively seeking a replacement wide receiver. However, they have missed out on free agents Mike Williams and Tyler Boyd. The restructure of Highsmith’s contract gives them the flexibility to pursue a trade for Aiyuk, Sutton, or another player.
