After two weeks of Steelers training camp, Cole Holcomb remains absent from practice. The veteran linebacker started camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list while recovering from a serious knee injury sustained midway through the 2023 season.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently suggested that Holcomb might not be ready to play and that the Steelers could consider waiving him before the season starts.
However, on August 2, NFL Insider Aaron Wilson revealed unexpected news: the Steelers have restructured Holcomb’s contract, adding $3.1 million in guaranteed money.
While details are still pending, this restructuring suggests that Holcomb is likely to make the team. The additional guarantees increase Holcomb’s earnings while lowering his base salary for the team.
Interestingly, the Steelers already had over $15.94 million in cap space before this adjustment, hinting at possible major moves in the front office. Fans are speculating about a potential big trade, with 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk being a popular guess.
The timing seems right given that Roman Wilson is out with an ankle injury and the Steelers have shown interest in bolstering their receiving corps.
Alternatively, the extra cap space might be used to finalize contract negotiations with players in their contract year. Tight end Pat Freiermuth, recovering from a hamstring injury, and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, who has stated he won’t accept a discount to stay in Pittsburgh, are both candidates for contract extensions as they enter the final year of their deals.
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