The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly set to extend and restructure the contract of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ahead of the new league year.
As noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported this news, the extension would clear up more cap space if the Steelers decide to trade disgruntled receiver Antonio Brown.
The Steelers couldn’t be making a more resounding statement about which side of the feud they’re on as it concerns Roethlisberger and Brown. The latest news on this front is that Big Ben said some disparaging things about Brown during team meetings and basically told him to get off the field last Wednesday.
If the Steelers do decide to trade Brown, they’ll incur a $21 million hit of dead cap space if the trade occurs before June 1.
They’ll get some help, however, in the form of a $14.5 million cap credit next year for Le’Veon Bell.
Steelers have no issues with a $21 million dead cap hit on Antonio Brown if he is traded, as expected. The team will receive a $14.5 million cap credit back in 2019 for Le'Veon Bell that hasn't been calculated yet.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 5, 2019
Restructuring Roethlisberger’s contract, which is currently set to count for $23.2 million against the cap next year, would certainly soften that blow even more.