Raiders: 10 Potential roster cuts to monitor outside of the organization

Raiders: 10 cut candidates to keep an eye on

• CB Joe Haden, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Cap savings if cut: $7 million (post-June 1 cut)

Currently, $26.1 million over the salary-cap limit, the Pittsburgh Steelers have tough financial decisions to make this offseason, specifically at the cornerback position.

Versatile cover man Cameron Sutton and slot cornerback Mike Hilton have expiring contracts. Joe Haden and Steven Nelson have cap numbers of approximately $15.6 million and $14.4 million, respectively.

Although Haden put together a solid 2020 campaign, logging 12 pass breakups and two interceptions while allowing a 50.6 percent completion rate, he’ll turn 32 years old in April with only one year left on his deal.

The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly believes the team values Sutton’s versatility over a more expensive older cornerback in Haden. He left the latter off of his starting lineup projections:

The Raiders will likely want Trayvon Mullen and Damon Arnette to grow into their starting boundary roles.

However, Mayock should look to strengthen the position as the team competes with quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert within the division. Keep in mind head coach Jon Gruden showed interest in impending free agent Richard Sherman, who’s 32 years old coming off a season with a lingering calf injury.

Over the last three years, Haden has played a key part in the Steelers’ top-10 pass defenses, locking down the boundary. He may come at a steeper cost than most of these potential cuts, but the three-time Pro Bowler is worth the price for at least a year.