Steelers 10-Year NFL Veteran Suggested As Hypothetical Cap Casualty

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster absolutely will look different in 2025.

Pittsburgh needs to make some changes after being knocked out of the playoffs by the Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh struggled down the stretch and now seems to be at a crossroads. There will be some changes, but who will be back? There will be plenty of players who end up returning but others also will leave either by their own choice or by the team cutting ties with them.

Bleacher Report’s scouting department made a list of the top hypothetical cap casualties for each team heading into the offseason and had Preston Smith as the top option for the Steelers to cut ties with.

“EDGE Preston Smith – $13.4 million,” Bleacher Report said. “The Steelers only gave up a seventh-round pick to acquire Preston Smith ahead of the trade deadline this season. The veteran pass-rusher ended up playing 161 defensive snaps in eight games for the Steelers and was inactive for the team’s playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.

“That’s as good an indication as any that the Steelers won’t have Smith on their roster next season. They can wipe the entire $13.4 million cap hit off their books by cutting him. Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt are a strong pass-rushing duo, and that’s a lot of money to give a third edge rusher. The 32-year-old seems destined for free agency.”

Smith only spent a short stint with the Steelers. He appeared in eight games with the Steelers after beginning the season with the Green Bay Packers. Will he be back in 2025?

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