The Pittsburgh Steelers are pressed for cap space this offseason. If they have any intent on making roster moves to better the team, they would have to make adjustments to contracts or begin to let players go. It is now being reported the Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger are working out a new contract deal that would relieve cap space for the team. A new deal is expected to be reached by the end of the week.
Roethlisberger's current deal carries a cap figure of $19.59 million in 2013. The team currently has over $100 million committed to just 10 players for the current 2013 season. The NFL salary cap is $121.1 million for the upcoming season. Restructuring contracts is the only option the Steelers have unless they plan on getting rid of marquee players.
Restructuring the contract of Roethlisberger will be relatively simple. They need to lower his salary cap figure to alleviate some of the pressure on the team. Roethlisberger is scheduled to make $11.6 million for 2012, but a new deal could save the Steelers millions. This is the third straight year that he has restructured his contract. The new deal will not affect the money of length of his contract.
With Roethlisberger leading the charge of restructuring contracts, it is likely other players will follow in order to give the team some breathing room to make roster improvements. Linebacker Lawrence Timmons has also agreed to change his contract prior to March 12 when teams must be under the salary cap.
With the new deals in the works, it could allow the Steelers to hold on to big receiver, Mike Wallace. Wallace is a free agent after March 12 and it is reported that Pittsburgh will let him test the waters and see what kind of deal he can get. As the best free agent coming onto the market, the Steelers would be wise to try and bring him back if their finances allow it.
Wallace has expressed interest in wanting to remain in Pittsburgh, but many believed it would not be possible due to the financial restraints on the team right now. With Roethlisberger reworking his contract, it might give the team enough money to let Wallace stay.
