Steelers and Troy Polamalu to rework deal; Won't be Cap Casualty

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Troy Polamalu in the first-round of the 2003 NFL Draft, and since then, he's been among the NFL's elite safeties. Injuries and old age have caused a dropoff in his play in recent years though, and with a $10+ million cap hit coming in 2014, the odds of him being on the opening day roster weren't looking good.

But according to ESPN, Polamalu won't be cut this offseason, and it looks like the two sides will be able to agree to a restructured contract.

While they still need salary-cap space, the Pittsburgh Steelers will not release veteran safety Troy Polamalu, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Wednesday morning.

One source said the Rooney family simply is too loyal and Polamalu has been two valuable.

Either the two sides will try to work out a restructured contract that will lower Polamalu's $10.88 million salary-cap figure for the coming season, or the Steelers could get the eight-time Pro Bowler to accept a pay cut.

Polamalu is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 by the Associated Press. He does turn 33 next month, so the end of his career may come soon, given his reckless and physical style of play.