The Steelers created $18 million in cap space by restructuring DK Metcalf's contract, sources told the Post-Gazette on Thursday.
The Steelers created $18 million in cap space by restructuring DK Metcalf's contract, sources told the Post-Gazette on Thursday.
The Steelers restructured the contract of wide receiver DK Metcalf, creating nearly $18 million in salary cap space for this season, sources told the Post-Gazette on Thursday.
Metcalf signed a four-year, $132 million deal last year in free agency. The Steelers converted his base salary into a signing bonus, a move that is a “normal cap conversion” and is not related to a potential contract with cornerback Joey Porter Jr., according to sources.
The Steelers had been tight against the cap, and this restructure gives them added flexibility to make roster moves. The money could eventually be earmarked for Porter, who has one year remaining on the rookie contract he signed in 2023.
The Steelers targeted four players from their 2023 draft class for new contracts this summer. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig, defensive lineman Keeanu Benton and tight end Darnell Washington all signed earlier this summer, totaling $218 million.
[Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. returned to practice on Monday after missing two weeks of camp due to injury.
Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. returned to practice on Monday after missing two weeks of camp due to injury.](https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2026/08/25/nfl-news-aaron-rodgers-dk-metcalf-michael-pittman/stories/202608250027)
If the Steelers sign Porter, his contract will be their biggest of the offseason. Herbig signed a five-year, $104 million contract, but a new deal with Porter could go well beyond that. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, a first-round pick from the 2023 draft, recently signed a deal with an average annual salary of $33 million, with $100 million in guarantees.
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this week the Steelers and Porter were at an “impasse” in their negotiations.
First Published: August 27, 2026, 2:48 p.m.