September 9 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds (93) reacts after his sack of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (not pictured) during the first quarter at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers certainly have some tough decisions ahead as they sit $10.5 million over the 2014 salary cap before free agency even opens.
One player who they would prefer to keep is free agent outside linebacker Jason Worilds. He told ESPN this week he’s only interested in re-signing with the Steelers if he’s guaranteed a starting job. Worilds started only 11 games in 2013 and still led the Steelers with eight sacks.
Although the Steelers have not said which players they would like to sign, president Art Rooney II singled-out Worilds as the one free agent would like to keep.
"“Jason Worilds is certainly somebody who came on and showed what he can do, particularly over the second half of the season,” Rooney said."
Worilds is ranked as the second-best linebacker available in free agency, according to RotoWorld’s Nick Mesino.
With OLB LaMarr Woodley set to make $8 million next season as a 29-year-old, it is possible that the Steelers could make him a cap casualty in order to keep Jason Worilds around.
Dec 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) breaks off the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The team could also opt to cut Pro Bowl cornerback Ike Taylor, who’s set to make $11.942 million in ’14. Safety Troy Polamalu is also set to make $11 million next year, and this aging defensive backfield will likely look significantly different when the ’14 season opens.
At least one of those players is likely to get cut, but one guaranteed cap casualty is offensive tackle Levi Brown, who is due $6.25 million for 2014, but with none of it guaranteed.
Brown suffered a season-ending triceps injury just days after being traded from the Arizona Cardinals.
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