Although they aren’t in the best salary cap scenario going into the summer, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t expected to lose any starters either. For two of Pittsburgh’s division opponents, who have an even larger salary cap hole, that is not the case. Justin Madubuike, the Baltimore Ravens’ breakout defensive tackle, could be lost.
But other than Madubuike departing Baltimore in free agency, what is better for the Steelers? The Steelers have signed Madubuike to take Cameron Heyward’s spot.
But other than Madubuike departing Baltimore in free agency, what is better for the Steelers? The Steelers have signed Madubuike to take Cameron Heyward’s spot.
Rob Gregson of AtoZ Sports brought up that idea on February
The club would be able to manipulate the salary cap and bring Madubuike in as Pittsburgh’s next great interior defensive lineman with some salary cap manoeuvring and a new deal for Heyward that extends his 2024 pay or turns it into a signing bonus, written Gregson.
In 2023, Madubuike recorded career-high totals of 33 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks. In addition, he made 56 total tackles and one forced fumble while making the second team All-Pro. In 2023, Madubuike also made his first Pro Bowl appearance.
In 2023, he recorded more sacks and twice as many quarterback hits as he did in his first three NFL seasons combined.
Over the past 13 years, Heyward has become one of the best Steelers in history never to play in a Super Bowl. That makes it highly unlikely the Steelers depart with the veteran this offseason. Furthermore, Heyward just won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Gregson insinuated that releasing the veteran defensive lineman after winning that honor would be a public relations nightmare.
But if the Steelers could lower Heyward’s cap hit and release other players to squeeze a potential Madubuike contract on the books, the Steelers would then have a viable future replacement for Heyward. Over four NFL seasons, Madubuike has posted 21.5 sacks, 29 tackles for loss and 49 quarterback hits. He’s also recorded 5 pass defenses and 1 forced fumble in 59 NFL games.
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