Great points Wig. I understand the business perspective, which is where you're coming from. Let's look at his numbers:
This year Pouncey is $4.3M against the cap. That is a wash, as we can't get any of that back this year. Let's see what the cuts do:
2016 $10.5M against the cap. If we cut him he costs us $11M Probably not happening.
2017 $10.4M against the cap. If we cut him he costs us $8M we save $3M If we cut him, this would probably be the first year, but we're looking at a good amount of dead money.
2018 $10.55M against the cap. If we cut him he costs us $4.5M we save $6M
2019 $7M against the cap cost us $1M to cut and we save $6M
The cut costs are the prorated values from his signing bonus the way it was structured. So the team could save the salary amounts yearly. Personally, I don't think it's a smart business move to do it before 2018, but I can understand if he gets another significant injury or has an extreme problem with his current one.
Even with the numbers, I pay the man, because there is only about 3 people in the league that can perform at his high level when he is healthy and on the field. I take that chance, and the Steelers took that chance on talent alone, that he can be a difference maker when he's playing. Special centers don't grow on trees, and no he's not Dirt or Webster. He's faster, more athletic and something new. And if he's healthy, everyone can see it instead of speculate on the type of player he's perceived to be by some.
