Story perspectives

Steelers Release Malik Harrison, Frees $4.75M Cap Space

8/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Steelers released linebacker Malik Harrison, freeing $4.75 million in cap space.
He was owed $4.75 million for 2026 under his two-year, $10 million deal signed March 2025.
His release creates a $2.04 million dead-money charge against the 2026 cap.
He played 11 games (nine starts) in 2025, recording 41 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Steelers also cut veteran Elandon Roberts and lineman Dean Lowry, moving toward the 53-player limit before Sunday 6 p.m. EST deadline.

History

Historical Context

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a $908 billion federal relief plan, the NFL introduced a higher league-wide salary cap, forcing teams to manage payrolls more tightly. The Steelers’ 2025 roster cuts show that shift toward fiscal flexibility, and the league’s simultaneous investigation of the Washington Football Team highlighted its broader operational overhaul.

1 of 2

Story summary

Steelers released linebacker Malik Harrison, freeing $4.75 million in cap space.
He was owed $4.75 million for 2026 under his two-year, $10 million deal signed March 2025.
His release creates a $2.04 million dead-money charge against the 2026 cap.
He played 11 games (nine starts) in 2025, recording 41 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Steelers also cut veteran Elandon Roberts and lineman Dean Lowry, moving toward the 53-player limit before Sunday 6 p.m. EST deadline.

1 / 2