Three Steelers Veterans Named Potential Cut Candidates

The Pittsburgh Steelers could look to part ways with three veterans this offseason to save some money against the cap.

Pittsburgh Steelers OL Isaac Seumalo Dan Moore Jr.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive linemen Isaac Seumalo and Dan Moore Jr. at practice on Sept. 26, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers have 24 players set to become free agents in 2025, but they could add to that list this offseason if they want to put some extra spending money back in their pockets. Over The Cap’s Nick Korte thinks that could be the case.

Korte made a list of the “2025 Top 100 Possible Cut Candidates” and among them are three Steelers veterans: defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi, linebacker Cole Holcomb and guard Issac Seumalo.

All three players have played key roles for the Steelers over the past two seasons, but it’s not difficult to imagine them playing elsewhere or even hanging up their cleats by the start of the 2025 season.

Ogunjobi signed a three-year, $28.75 million contract extension with the Steelers in 2023. In his first season with his new contract, he recorded just 43 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

As a result, the 30-year-old needed to justify his high cap hit in 2024, but that did not happen as he only registered 41 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

The Steelers can save $7 million if they were to cut Ogunjobi this offseason.

Pittsburgh Steelers DT Larry Ogunjobi
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi at practice on Dec. 13, 2024. — Alan Saunders / Steelers Now

Holcomb signed a three-year, $18 million contract in 2023, and he was playing well with 54 tackles and two forced fumbles in the first eight games of the season. However, in Week 9, he suffered a serious, season-ending knee injury.

The 28-year-old has been trying to work his way back to the field ever since, missing the entirety of the 2024 season as well.

It’s unlikely that Holcomb will retire as he nears his return next season, but if he were to suffer any setbacks, that could be a possibility.

Either way, it feels unlikely that the Steelers would be willing to pay his high cap number next season. If they cut him, they’ll save $6 million against the cap.

Steelers LB Cole Holcomb
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb rides of on a cart after injuring his left knee in a game against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 2, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Seumalo also joined the Steelers in 2023 on a three-year, $24 million contract. Ever since, he’s been an anchor on the offensive line and brought a much-needed veteran presence to the young group.

However, he struggled a little bit down the stretch in 2024, putting his future with the team in doubt. While the Steelers would save $7.875 million in cap space if they were to move on from Seumalo, it would still be a little surprising if they chose to do so.

Seumalo, who will turn 32 next season, could make the decision for Pittsburgh and decide to retire. He has already won a Super Bowl (LII) with the Philadelphia Eagles in his nine-year NFL career.

If Seumalo is content, he may hang up his cleats for good, putting the Steelers back in the market for another offensive lineman with a little extra money in their pockets.

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