Troy Polamalu is one of the most respected players in Pittsburgh Steelers history, which is why the team is reportedly hoping he will retire. Otherwise, they will have to release one of their most beloved superstars.
Polamalu, 33, carries a cap hit of $8.25 million in 2015. That is simply too much to pay a player who has rapidly declined and battled injuries throughout his career. According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are crossing their fingers the situation will work itself out.
“That is the elephant in the room,” Bouchette told The Cook and Poni Show on 97.3 The Fan in Pittsburgh. “I expect him not to be here by some means. The Steelers are hoping he would retire, but I don’t know if he is going to.”
Bouchette made no mention of the Steelers asking Polamalu to take less money, so it sounds like he is not in the team’s plans going forward. There were reports that Polamalu could be released back in 2013, but he remained with the team last season. The former USC star recorded 61 total tackles and did not intercept a pass in 12 games last season.
Polamalu’s skills have been in decline for quite some time (you can see a prime example of that here). It’s always tough to cut a fan favorite, but the Steelers will likely do just that if Polamalu wants to continue playing football.
H/T Rotoworld
