Steven Nelson to Steelers: ‘Don’t Hold Me Hostage’

Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson would like the Steelers make to a decision regarding his future sooner rather than later.

Nelson, who was reportedly given permission by the team to seek a trade last week, said on Twitter that the Steelers are now holding him back.

“Making a public announcement is a little out of my character, but you guys made your decision please don’t hold me hostage,” Nelson wrote, followed by the hashtag #dontholdmeback.

Making a public announcement is a little out of my character, but you guys made your decision please don’t hold me hostage #dontholdmeback

— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) March 23, 2021

Nelson is entering the final year of the three-year contract he signed with the Steelers as a free agent in 2019. Under the terms of that contract, he will count for $14.42 million toward the Steelers’ salary cap in 2021. $6.17 million of that will be deferred salary cap hit for payments already made and will remain on the Steelers’ books as dead money if Nelson is traded or released.

The Steelers would be able to save Nelson’s $8.25 million salary from their 2021 salary cap if he is traded or released. The team will be barely under the salary cap if they don’t make another move after making several signings in the last week.

Nelson has started every game he’s been available for since being acquired by the Steelers and was rated as the No. 36 cornerback in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2020.