The Pittsburgh Steelers were already in one of the better cap space situations in the NFL based on early projections, but things got even better on Wednesday.
The league hasn’t officially set the cap number for 2025, but ESPN’s Dan Graziano revealed on Wednesday that the number will be between $277.5 million and $281.5 million.
It’s wise to expect the cap to continue to increase. Over the last two seasons, the limit has increased by more than $53 million as the NFL continues to grow in popularity.
The cap for 2024 was set at $255.4 million, so the new cap could be a $25 million increase. Before this news, Over the Cap projected the Steelers to have $53 million in to work with based on a projected $272 million salary cap.
Now, the site has the Steelers’ number at $60 million, which is based on a $279.5 million cap. That figure is the eighth-most in the NFL.
It may not seem like a huge difference, but an extra $7 million could go a long way for the Steelers. The team has several 2024 contributors set to test the open market, including Najee Harris, Dan Moore, Donte Jackson, James Daniels, and more.
The Steelers also have to figure out what to do at the quarterback position. Russell Wilson started 11 games for the team in 2024 while Justin Fields started six. Both are slated to enter free agency, and the extra money could help the team bring in an upgrade at the position.
Wilson threw for 2,482 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2024. The veteran looked like his old self at points but struggled down the stretch as the Steelers lost five games in a row, including their playoff matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.
Fields began the season as the starter but was eventually replaced by Wilson when he returned from injury. During his run as the quarterback, Fields threw for 1,106 yards with five touchdowns and one interception.
This is a pivotal offseason for the Steelers. As mentioned above, the team has to figure out the game’s most important position, first and foremost. Steeler fans have grown tired of early playoff exits, and it seems like the team has no choice but to go all-in and try to contend once again in 2025.
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