3 moves Steelers can make with newfound cap room after T.J. Watt deal

T.J. Watt’s new deal gives the Steelers more money to work with this season. Here are three players they can sign with their newfound cash. 

Steelers fans are still celebrating T.J. Watt’s decision to commit his long-term future to their favorite team. Pittsburgh’s front office can’t afford to revel in their success. They need to focus on what they can do with the salary cap space opened up after locking up the superstar edge rusher.

The four-year, $112 million extension makes Watt the highest-paid defender in the game, but it actually creates about $2 million in cap space for the Steelers to leverage this season. Pittsburgh doesn’t need to rush to make a panic move, but there are several intriguing free agents that could help Mike Tomlin’s team.

Steelers fans should keep a close eye on these potential transactions for Kevin Colbert and his front office in the coming days.

3. Sign Quinton Dunbar

Dunbar’s career has gone off the rails since leaving Washington. He moved to to the Seahawks hoping he could establish himself as a star in Pete Carroll’s defense, but off-the-field issues and a season-ending injury cost him that opportunity.

The fact that the Lions elected to cut him loose before Week 1 should be a huge red flag, but Dunbar’s track record of being an above-average starter should get him a look from the Steelers.

The 29-year-old defensive back could give Pittsburgh valuable depth behind Cameron Sutton and Joe Haden at cornerback. He also has the versatility to pitch in at safety if required. Dunbar is an intriguing player who is desperate for a job at the moment. Don’t be surprised if Mike Tomlin brings him in for a visit in the very near future.