The Risk/Reward in Cutting Haden, Williams Doesn't Match Steelers' 2021 Goal

Haden is absolutely right. In order for the Steelers to make cuts but stay competitive, they need a strong inside linebacker and a reliable cornerback. If they cut these two, they'd need to replace them, and frankly, it'll likely cost them the same amount of money. 

Cutting Williams means it's Robert Spillane's job, correct? With Spillane hitting the open market, the Steelers will need to offer him something decent enough to return to Pittsburgh. That number might not be $4 million, but it could be close - and should be close. 

Which means Pittsburgh is right back to taking on the same cap hit. 

Then, there's Haden. Cameron Sutton is the obvious replacement, right? Well, what's Sutton's worth going to be? And does this mean Mike Hilton is gone if Sutton stays? 

Haden signed a two-year, $22 million contract in 2019. Working under a restricted cap this offseason, we'll say the Steelers get an even better deal for Sutton and land him for somewhere around $8 or $9 million. Maybe even $7 or $6 million. 

All before the brinks truck they'll bring to Pittsburgh in order to retain Hilton. 

Now, the Steelers are masters of the salary cap. They know how to rework deals as well as anyone, and a strange salary cap year isn't going to change that. Could signing different players to replace Williams and Haden save money this season? Probably. But is it enough money to cut two keys pieces only to replace them with their backups? No. 

Trust the process. Pittsburgh knows what they're doing and who they can move on from while staying competitive. This season isn't about surviving the salary cap, it's about winning a Super Bowl. That's the only reason Roethlisberger returned, and keeping Haden and Williams are key parts to that.