Steelers clear major cap room with glaringly obvious cut

The Pittsburgh Steelers, looking to build around young quarterback Kenny Pickett, freed up much-needed cap space with an obvious cut.

The Pittsburgh Steelers had long odds of making it to the playoffs this past season, but they nearly made it. They finished the year with a 9-8 record, and saw flashes of greatness from quarterback Kenny Pickett. They have some areas on the team that still need addressing. To do so, they will have to have as much cap space as possible.

They made quite the easy decision to free up some money.

According to theScore’s Jordan Schultz, the Steelers are releasing cornerback William Jackson III. This decision by Pittsburgh freed up $12.2 million in cap space.

Steelers cut CB William Jackson III, free up $12.2 million in cap space

This past season, Pittsburgh acquired Jackson in a trade with the Washington Commanders ahead of the deadline. The Steelers sent over a 2025 conditional sixth-round draft pick, but Jackson didn’t play a single game with the team. That is due in part to the cornerback suffering a back injury this season.

Jackson, a former 2016 first-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, played in just four games with the Commanders in 2022, recording 16 combined (15 solo, one assisted) and two passes defended. In coverage, Jackson allowed 17 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns on 24 targets, per Pro Football Reference.

That 2025 sixth-round pick the Steelers gave the Commanders? It will remain in Pittsburgh because Jackson didn’t play.

This was a significant move made by the Steelers to free up cap space. Let’s not forget, the free agency negotiation window opens up on March 13, with the 2023 league year officially beginning on March 15. Just days before these key dates, Pittsburgh freed up $12.2 million in cap space to make some moves.