Steelers OLB’s Record-Breaking Deal Still Leaves Money in Pittsburgh’s Bank: Where Can They Spend?
After making T.J. Watt the highest-paid non-QB player in NFL history, it would be fair to assume Omar Khan and the Steelers front office are done making moves this offseason. However, despite signing Watt to a record-breaking deal, the Steelers still have room for one or two more big-time moves. Due to Watt’s contract structure, he’s only on the books for a $23.36 million cap hit for the 2025 season. This leaves Pittsburgh with $17.46 million in cap space to mess around with and fill up holes on the roster. The Steelers have signed their entire rookie class, and they usually like to carry at least around five-million-dollars in cap space into the season in case of injuries, but this still gives Pittsburgh plenty of room to work with financially to make one more splash, and considering their very clear “win now” mindset, getting one piece closer to the Super Bowl doesn’t seem so far fetched.
The Steelers have made enough defensive moves, and it’s time to focus on the offensive side of the ball. There’s a clear lack of weapons in the receiver room besides D.K. Metcalf standing out on his lonesome. With Aaron Rodgers under center, they now have a guy who’s been known to influence a trade for a receiver from his past. The receiver that stands out is Romeo Doubs. Recently, spending their first and third round picks on Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, the Packers currently have seven to eight solid players in their receiver room; however, I doubt they will all make the 53-man roster. Doubs, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and likely won’t be a part of Green Bay’s future.
At six foot two and 202 pounds, Doubs has a powerful frame and uses his strong hands and physicality to win jump balls. While the Steelers still hold hope for young WR Roman Wilson, a trade for a guy with only a $3.4 million cap hit and a good relationship with Rodgers, he could turn out to be the glue that pulls this Pittsburgh offense together. With a good season, Romeo Doubs could even earn himself an extension next offseason. If the Steelers wanted to lock him down, they have more than enough cap room to do so. Suddenly, they would have a receiver duo consisting of D.K. Metcalf and Romeo Doubs, with their depth of Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, and Ben Skowronek suddenly looking solid. Pittsburgh still has a lot of money to work with, and they want to win now. Fans could see a hypothetical trade with the Packers become a reality.
