Steelers Eye Potential Moves as NFL New League Year Approaches
As the NFL gears up for a new league year, teams are making strategic moves to align with cap requirements. The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in an enviable position, needing no roster cuts to stay cap compliant. Meanwhile, their AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns, face a more challenging scenario.
Browns' Cap Challenges
The Browns are grappling with a significant cap overage, sitting $19 million above the threshold. This financial strain has sparked discussions about potential roster changes, with cornerback Denzel Ward unexpectedly surfacing as a possible cap casualty. While it's unlikely Cleveland will part ways with Ward, the situation is worth monitoring, especially considering the Browns' ongoing coaching changes and defensive frustrations.
Denzel Ward's Future
Ward's situation is complicated. With two years left on his contract, the Browns could consider a post-June 1st designation to alleviate their cap issues, or they might opt to restructure his deal. The Browns' previous moves, like securing Myles Garrett with a lucrative contract despite trade demands, suggest they might explore similar avenues with Ward.
Steelers' Strategic Interest
The Steelers are no strangers to capitalizing on Cleveland's roster decisions. Back in 2017, they swooped in to sign Joe Haden after his release by the Browns, a move that paid dividends. Should Ward become available, Pittsburgh would likely explore the opportunity to bolster their secondary with his talent.
Upcoming NFL Calendar
With the new league year kicking off on March 11th, the NFL landscape is poised for shifts. The "legal tampering" period and the NFL Combine will provide ample discussion and potential moves. As teams maneuver through this period, fans are left to wonder if history might repeat itself with another high-profile move involving the Browns and Steelers.
The next few weeks promise to be pivotal, with teams like the Steelers staying vigilant and ready to make impactful decisions as opportunities arise.