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When the Pittsburgh Steelers enter 2022 NFL free agency, they are likely going to want as much cash as possible. One would think that's the case so they can get a veteran quarterback to replace retired legend Ben Roethlisberger. However, that is not the case.
The Steelers made it well known at the year's Reese's Senior Bowl in Alabama last week that they are in search of their quarterback of the future in this year's draft, most likely with their 2022 first-round draft selection. The money that they need to save, then, is to upgrade their offensive line to accommodate a rookie QB. They have a likely cut candidate in tackle Zach Banner, who missed much of the last two seasons due to injury and can save the Steelers $5 million with his release, but that only furthers their offensive line issues and $5 million isn't a lot to save on that position.
So, who could the Steelers release that could help them improve upon their roughly $32 million (10th in the NFL) in available cap space? We dug through the roster and came away with one key member of Pittsburgh's 2021 defense that could be on the move. Due to the low amount of dead money tied to his release and less-than-stellar play last year, the player who could benefit the Steelers the most with his release is…
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One Pittsburgh Steelers player who could surprisingly be cut
Joe Schobert
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Schobert's release could save the Steelers roughly $8 million in 2022 salary cap space and leave behind just $1.77 million in dead money. He might have been 20th in the entire NFL in solo tackles in 2021, but the rest of his numbers do not justify that high of a contract for an off-ball linebacker. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Schobert was slightly below the league average in coverage (57) and pass-rushing situations (54) last season. When it came to run defense, his numbers were even worse (48.3). The only thing that might end up saving Schobert's bacon is that the Steelers' other inside backer, Devin Bush, was abominable against the run (28.3?!?!).
Joe Schobert’s horrible play has been masked by how bad Devin Bush has played. Bush played better on pass coverage but his run defense is still atrocious.
— Lukewarm Steelers Fan (@TJWattStan) December 10, 2021
The difference between Bush and Schobert, though, is that Bush isn't going to save the Steelers anything against the salary cap with his release. In fact, Pittsburgh would be hit with nearly $7 million in dead cap just to see their 2019 tenth overall pick possibly flourish in a new situation. That's not going to happen; the Steelers need to continue to try and develop Bush (who is one year removed from a devastating knee injury) and Schobert will likely be left as the one searching for a career turnaround with a new team in 2022. Or, perhaps Schobert is re-signed by the Steelers at a discounted rate to return as Bush's “running mate”? (pun intended)
Whatever the case may be with the Steelers' plans for Schobert in the long run, the short-term plan must see them part ways with the linebacker's current contract. Once he is into free agency, it will be up to the market to decide how much a 30-year-old off-ball linebacker with negative grades but high tackle totals can get. Much like the running back and safety positions, linebackers who don't rush the passer and are not elite in coverage do not usually strike it rich in free agency. Schobert isn't likely to buck that trend this offseason.
