Steelers plan to keep Willie Colon:

[LatrobePA]

Agent: Steelers plan to keep O-lineman Willie Colon

By Marc Sessler

Published: March 07, 2013 at 4:20 AM PST

Modified: March 07, 2013 at 4:24 AM PST

The Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to part ways with Willie Colon , but he's going nowhere for the time being.

Colon's agent, Joe Linta, told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the Steelers ' front office said they plan to do nothing with the veteran left guard's contract and have not requested a pay cut.

Colon, 29, is set to $5.5 million next season as part of the five-year, $29 million contract he signed in 2011. The sense around the team was that Colon would be cut as Pittsburgh sought to overhaul its offensive front with more athletic and durable linemen. Colon has started just 13 games over the past two years and wound up on injured reserve for the third straight season in 2012.

The Steelers have been tinkering with their line for years. They have young talent at guard in David DeCastro and are high on Kelvin Beachum as a potential answer inside. Colon is safe for now, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Steelers come calling about a reduction in pay before the season starts. If he lasts that long.

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL .

[cmerrifield]

Figures, by the time they cut him and replace him their even. Besides if he plays well, we run well. Last year our running game rised and fell on Colons play.

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[NeilPatrickBanana]

I explained much earlier in the offseason, that cutting Colon early in the off season made very little sense cap wise... Colon's cap hit if cut + veteran minimum for a replacement would equal roughly the same amount of cap space as keeping Colon.

They could cut him after June 1 and save a decent amount, which is what you should espect to see

If these journalists did just a bit of research, they could put 1 and 1 together

[Real Deal Steel]

If this holds true, then this is the first mistake Colbert has made for this coming season. Colon needs to take a pay cut or get cut.

Seems there is a problem with our GM as far as moving on from players who are just about done and making too much money.

[NeilPatrickBanana]

Colon has a 7.65 cap hit in 2013

If the Steelers cut Colon BEFORE June 1, the remaining portion of his signing bonus allocated over 3 yrs, accelerates into this year's cap.
2.15 x 3 = 6.45

So cutting Colon would result in a cap savings of just 1.2 million in 2013

Assuming the average veteran cost to replace him of a measely 900k, we can see that cutting Colon would result in a net savings of only ~300k.... if not less. Heck cutting Colon and replacing him with a decent, experienced veteran behind our young line, would probably cost more.

HOWEVER

After June 1, the Steelers can cut Colon, and apply the accelerated bonus money over TWO seasons. This takes Colons remaining Bonus allocation of 6.45 and splits into a cap charge of 3.225 this year and next year. Thus saving 4.425 on the cap THIS YEAR.

Colon either stays or gets cut after June 1... not before

[NeilPatrickBanana]

If this holds true, then this is the first mistake Colbert has made for this coming season. Colon needs to take a pay cut or get cut.

Seems there is a problem with our GM as far as moving on from players who are just about done and making too much money.

no, the problem is your understanding of the cap

[cmerrifield]

I don't think its better to wait until after June 1 to cut him. All that does is help this year and hurt next year. Our cap situation isn't improving next year. Either cut him now and take the hit or keep him this year and if nothing changes cut him next year. The cap hit would be much smaller.

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[coldrolled]

lots of smoke..

[NeilPatrickBanana]

I don't think its better to wait until after June 1 to cut him. All that does is help this year and hurt next year. Our cap situation isn't improving next year. Either cut him now and take the hit or keep him this year and if nothing changes cut him next year. The cap hit would be much smaller.

sent from my Galaxy SIII using tapatalk 2

Cutting him NEXT year, would result in a lump penalty of 4.3 in 2014 (MORE than the post June 1 2013 cut of 3.225)
Or cutting him after June 1 NEXT year, which would result in 2.15 dead in 2014 and 2015

[Zachintosh66]

Makes no sense to cut him now... Aft june makes sense.

If he stays his ENTIRE deal needs redone!

Im not for or opposed to his staying. Truth is i feel better about him being in there over Beachum And Legs, but thats not saying much...