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Big Ben Speaks Out: Steelers LB Star 'Getting Paid Way Too Much' Faces Pay Cut or Exit Amid Salary Cap Pressure

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason is heating up once again, and this time the spotlight is on linebacker Malik Harrison. After weeks of speculation surrounding the team’s salary cap situation, franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger has publicly acknowledged that Harrison is among the players whose salary “does not match his production” — a reality that could force a difficult decision.

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In a recent appearance, Roethlisberger spoke candidly about the financial challenge Pittsburgh faces entering the 2026 season. With a cap hit nearing $7 million, Harrison — who served primarily in a rotational role and battled a knee injury early last season — is now under scrutiny.

“When you look at the cap, the numbers have to reflect the impact on the field,” Roethlisberger said. “If that balance isn’t there, the team has to make adjustments.”

Harrison remains a professional and is respected inside the locker room. However, his on-field production last season did not fully justify his current salary. With the Steelers needing to extend younger core players and maintain roster depth, every dollar matters.

According to team sources, Pittsburgh is weighing two options: approach Harrison about restructuring his contract at a lower salary or release him to free up several million dollars in cap space. The decision is not personal — it is strictly strategic.

“This is business,” Big Ben emphasized. “The ultimate goal is Lombardis. Sometimes you have to make choices that aren’t easy.”

Inside the locker room, the situation is being handled carefully. Harrison is part of the defensive system, but the Steelers have long prioritized financial discipline over sentiment.

The coming weeks will determine Malik Harrison’s future in Pittsburgh. Take a pay cut and stay — or move on to make room for a new direction?

In the NFL, reputation creates opportunity. But cap space determines who stays.

Young Star Nearing the End of His Rookie Contract, Realizing He’s Not in the Broncos’ Long-Term Plans, Immediately Expresses Willingness to Take a Pay Cut to Stay in Denver
DENVER — In today’s NFL, where roster construction is often dictated by salary cap math and long-term projections, it’s rare to see a young player voluntarily offer financial sacrifice. But inside the Broncos’ building, one emerging defensive piece is reportedly doing exactly that. League sources indicate Denver has been reassessing its long-term structure in the secondary. With scheme adjustments, upcoming extensions elsewhere on the roster, and future cap considerations, difficult conversations have begun to surface. Not every young contributor can be guaranteed a long-term role. Rather than waiting for trade rumors to swirl or for free agency uncertainty to define his path, this player chose a proactive approach. He met with team officials and delivered a clear message — he wants to remain in Denver, even if that means adjusting his financial expectations. Midway through those internal discussions, the name surfaced: Riley Moss. The young cornerback for the Denver Broncos is approaching the latter stage of his rookie deal and understands how competitive and financially delicate roster building can be. “I’m not here because of the numbers on a contract. I’m here because of this locker room, this city, and what we’re building. If taking less means I get to keep wearing this uniform and keep fighting with my guys, I’m willing to do that.” For a player still early in his career, that kind of statement carries weight. Moss knows the cornerback market continues to climb, and another team might offer a larger deal. But he also understands the value of continuity — playing within a system that trusts him and alongside teammates who believe in him. From Denver’s perspective, the gesture provides flexibility. The Broncos are balancing long-term cap health with immediate competitiveness. A young defender openly prioritizing team stability over maximum earnings shifts the tone of negotiations. This doesn’t guarantee Moss will remain in Denver. The NFL is ultimately a business, and both sides must find common ground. But it does reflect something increasingly rare in modern professional sports — a player openly declaring that fit and loyalty matter as much as financial leverage. As the offseason unfolds, Denver’s front office will continue evaluating its future. For now, though, Riley Moss has made one thing clear: if there’s a path that allows him to stay in orange and blue, he’s willing to take it — even if it costs him.