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The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo strongly suggested linebacker Malik Harrison could be a cut candidate at the end of the preseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of players trending in the right direction at training camp this month. On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo named 10 players with stocks up entering the preseason. But he also identified linebacker Malik Harrison as a player with sinking stock.
In fact, DeFabo argued Harrison might be on the outside looking in when the Steelers have to make their final roster decisions at the end of the month.
“The Steelers signed Harrison a year ago to be the starter in the base defense. Now, he could be cut in a move that would save $4.75 million against the cap,” wrote DeFabo. “It’s been hard to find Harrison during practice, as he’s slid down to a third-team role behind the aforementioned starting tandem (Queen and Payton Wilson) and second-team inside linebackers Cole Holcomb and Carson Bruener.”
Harrison, who has made $12.89 million across six NFL seasons, has one year left on his $10 million deal. He will have a $6.79 million cap hit in 2026.
But the Steelers could save $4.75 million with his release.
Last season, Harrison made 41 combined tackles, including two for loss in 11 games. He started nine contests.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
