Ed Bouchette reports that the Steelers are “way over the salary cap,” which means that more cost-cutting moves, like the cuts of Max Starks, Flozell Adams and Antwaan Randle El, are likely. The Steelers also will likely ask some players to restructure their contracts.
The cap is effectively $123 million: $120 million plus three $1 million exemptions.
Steelers Depot has a great breakdown of the Steelers’ salaries here. Lamarr Woodley is currently making $10 million with the franchise tag; if the Steelers could sign him to a long-term deal, they might be able to pay him less than that on a yearly basis and get closer to the cap. One other possibility, as a commenter there points out, is to cut Aaron Smith – he’s expensive and is frequently injured, and Ziggy Hood appears ready to step into his role. Wide receiver Arnaz Battle, who is set to make a bit over $1 million this year, could also be cut.