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Steelers Cut Malik Harrison, Saving $4.75 Million in 2026

8/30/2026

21 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Steelers released veteran inside linebacker Malik Harrison, saving $4.75 million in 2026 cap space.
The move creates a $2.04 million dead-money charge against the Steelers’ 2026 salary cap.
Coaches said Harrison’s limited special-teams play and lack of versatility led to his roster cut.
He appeared in 11 games (nine starts) in 2025, recording 41 tackles and two tackles for loss.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NFL set its first salary cap at $33.8 million, forcing teams like the San Diego Chargers to cut dozens of veterans and reshape rosters. The Steelers’ 2025 release of inside linebacker Malik Harrison, incurring a $2.04 million dead-money charge and freeing $4.75 million for 2026, echoes those early cap-driven moves, showing the league’s lasting emphasis on financial flexibility.

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Story summary

Steelers released veteran inside linebacker Malik Harrison, saving $4.75 million in 2026 cap space.
The move creates a $2.04 million dead-money charge against the Steelers’ 2026 salary cap.
Coaches said Harrison’s limited special-teams play and lack of versatility led to his roster cut.
He appeared in 11 games (nine starts) in 2025, recording 41 tackles and two tackles for loss.

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