3 Steelers Players Who Could Be Traded or Cut if the Salary Cap Drops in 2021

The toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on our economy has been felt in nearly every business. Unfortunately, sports have not been immune to this. There have been some analysts speculating the NFL salary caps could be reduced next season as a result, which could put some teams in really tough situations.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of these teams. These are three players the Steelers could trade or cut if the salary cap does indeed drop in 2021.

1. Joe Haden, CB

Joe Haden has played well since joining Pittsburgh, but the veteran cornerback isn't getting any younger. He is 31 this season and will turn 32 next offseason. Finding a trade partner for Haden could save the team up to $15.6 million, while cutting him would still be a savings of $12.6 million. This could be too big of a savings to pass up.

2. Vance McDonald, TE

Vance McDonald has not really panned out in Pittsburgh. This is mostly due to his inability to stay healthy. The Steelers went ahead and brought Eric Ebron in this offseason as a result. If Ebron plays well this season, McDonald could be a trade or cut candidate. Cutting him would save roughly $5 million, but a tanking team could be willing to trade for him, with him becoming a free agent in 2022.

3. Chris Boswell, K

Veteran kickers could be the unfortunate casualty in many instances from this salary cap reduction. Cutting Chris Boswell would save about $5 million over two years, including $1.4 million the first year. If Boswell struggles again like in 2018, when he made just 65 percent of his field goal attempts, he will be let go in favor of a cheap free agent or rookie.

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