The Steelers, as of Thursday, needed to trim more than $8.5 million in cap space before 4:00 p.m. ET Friday. They carved off a chunk of that amount by extending the contract linebacker LaMarr Woodley, whose one-year franchise tag was eating up more than $10 million.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, and as expected, the Steelers have further reduced the number by restructuring the contract of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. It was, we’re told, a simply restructuring that was accomplished by the conversion of salary into a signing bonus that was spread over the five remaining years of the deal.
It’s also believed, but not confirmed, that the Steelers restructured the contracts of linebacker James Harrison, tight end Heath Miller, and defensive end Brett Keisel.