Next round of cuts should be a no-brainer for Steelers

The Steelers wasted no time getting to work this offseason, releasing QB Mitchell Trubisky, offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor and punter Pressley Harvin III on Monday. 

More cuts are expected to be on the way as the Steelers are still projected to be $7.44M over the salary cap. Here are three cuts that should be a no-brainer for Pittsburgh.

Allen Robinson II, wide receiver

The Steelers swapped 2023 seventh-round picks with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire Robinson II last offseason. But the 30-year-old's stint in Pittsburgh should come to an end after posting just 34 catches for 280 yards and zero touchdowns this season.

Robinson II is still under contract in 2024, but the Steelers would save $10M if they part ways with the 10-year veteran. He is expendable with wide receivers Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III still on the roster.

Mason Cole, center

Cole is the weakest link on Pittsburgh's offensive line and Pro Football Focus agrees, rating him as one of the worst centers in the NFL during the 2023 season.

Cole, who turns 28 on March 28, signed a three-year, $15.75 million deal with the Steelers in 2022. But they can cut ties with him this offseason and save the team $4.75M in cap space. 

Pittsburgh doesn't have his replacement on the roster yet, but it should have plenty of options in free agency and the draft. Adding a younger and likely cheaper option makes too much sense.

Patrick Peterson, cornerback

The Steelers signed Peterson to a two-year, $14 million contract last offseason. But it seems the 33-year-old's age finally caught up to him in 2023. He continuously got picked on, which forced him and the team to consider a position change.

Although the eight-time Pro Bowler believes a switch to safety could extend his career, Pittsburgh would save $6.85M if it were to cut him.

The Steelers will save $21.6M if they make these three cuts in their next round of moves, and as a result, be about $14.16M under the salary cap ahead of free agency — a true no-brainer.