Full Breakdown
Steelers Release Inside Linebacker Malik Harrison, Saving $4.75 Million in Cap Space
8/30/2026, 10:00:55 PM
Core Event: Harrison Cut Ahead of 53-Man Deadline
On August 30, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran inside linebacker Malik Harrison. The move eliminates Harrison’s $4.75 million base salary for the season and leaves a $2.04 million dead-money charge on the 2026 salary cap.
Background & Context: A Decade of Linebacker Turnover
Since Ryan Shazier’s career-ending injury in 2017, Pittsburgh has cycled through numerous inside linebackers without finding a long-term pairing. The 2025 season saw Harrison start nine games after signing a two-year, $10 million contract in March 2025. He recorded 41 combined tackles (including two for loss) but missed most of September and October with a knee injury. The Steelers subsequently re-signed Cole Holcomb and added former starter Elandon Roberts, leaving Harrison vulnerable to release.
Data & Statistics
- Games Played (2025): 11 (nine starts) – 41 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
- Snap Share (2025): Approximately 40 % of defensive snaps in games he played.
- Missed-Tackle Rate: Highest among players with >=5 tackle attempts, according to Steelers Depot’s charting.
- Salary Impact: Base salary slated to rise to $4.75 million in 2026; release saves that amount and incurs $2.04 million dead money.
Official Statements & Responses
- Tom Pelissero reported the release on X, noting Harrison’s limited preseason involvement (24 total snaps, 20 in the opener).
- Jeremy Fowler of ESPN confirmed the cap savings, stating the Steelers were “owed $4.75M this year.”
- Steelers Depot explained that the addition of Elandon Roberts earlier in camp “appeared to seal Harrison’s fate,” though Roberts was later released as well.
- The organization has not issued a direct comment, but the roster tracker shows Harrison’s removal alongside other veteran cuts as the team approaches the 6 p.m. ET deadline.
Why It Matters / Impact
Releasing Harrison clears a sizable portion of the salary cap, giving the Steelers flexibility to address other roster needs before the regular season. With Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, and rookie Carson Bruener already on the depth chart, the inside-linebacker group now features three starters and multiple versatile backups, reducing the necessity for Harrison’s special-teams contributions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Steelers releasing LB Malik Harrison, per source,” — Jeremy Fowler, of ESPN
Timeline of Recent Moves (Key Dates)
- August 12, 2026: Elandon Roberts signs a one-year deal (reported by Adam Schefter).
- August 30, 2026: Steelers release Malik Harrison (Jeremy Fowler) and later release Elandon Roberts (Adam Schefter).
- August 30, 2026: Deadline for final 53-man roster cuts (league-mandated).
