### Breaking Down the Steelers’ 3 Worst Contracts in 2024
As the 2024 NFL season progresses, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves grappling with several problematic contracts that could impact their future flexibility and performance. Here, we dissect the three most burdensome deals on their roster and explore how they might affect the team’s strategy moving forward.
#### 1. **Joe Schobert – Linebacker**
**Contract Details:** Schobert’s contract, signed in 2021, extends through 2024 with a cap hit of $11 million this year.
**Why It’s a Burden:** Schobert has struggled with consistency and injuries, limiting his impact on the field. Despite being a valuable presence early on, his performance has waned, and the return on investment hasn’t matched the hefty price tag. His contract is a significant drag on the Steelers’ cap space, especially given the emergence of younger, cheaper linebackers on the roster.
**Potential Impact:** The Steelers may need to consider restructuring or finding a trade partner to alleviate some of the financial strain. As they focus on developing younger talent, keeping Schobert at his current salary could impede their ability to make necessary upgrades in other areas.
#### 2. **Minkah Fitzpatrick – Safety**
**Contract Details:** Fitzpatrick’s extension, which began in 2022, has an average annual value of $18 million.
**Why It’s a Burden:** While Fitzpatrick is undeniably a top-tier safety, the sheer scale of his contract makes it challenging to manage the team’s overall salary cap. His performance, although solid, hasn’t consistently justified the top-market salary he commands. The high cost also limits the Steelers’ ability to address other roster needs effectively.
**Potential Impact:** The Steelers might explore contract renegotiation to better balance their cap situation. Fitzpatrick’s contract is a double-edged sword; his skill level is undeniable, but the financial strain could force difficult decisions in the near future.
#### 3. **Chase Claypool – Wide Receiver**
**Contract Details:** Claypool’s deal, initially signed as a rookie, includes a substantial extension through 2024, with a cap hit of $9 million this season.
**Why It’s a Burden:** Claypool’s performance has been inconsistent, and his production hasn’t matched the investment made in him. The Steelers are paying a premium for a receiver who has yet to solidify his place as a consistent game-changer. The high cap hit for a player with fluctuating performance levels creates a significant risk for the team.
**Potential Impact:** The Steelers might consider trading or releasing Claypool to free up cap space and redirect those funds towards players who can offer more reliable production. His contract represents an opportunity cost that could be better spent elsewhere.
### Conclusion
Navigating these challenging contracts will be crucial for the Steelers as they aim to build a competitive roster for the future. Addressing these financial burdens through restructuring, renegotiation, or strategic moves will be key to maintaining cap flexibility and enhancing the team’s overall performance. Balancing immediate needs with long-term goals will be essential as the Steelers work to maximize their potential and remain competitive in the evolving landscape of the NFL.
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