All they need to do is one. Extend Ben. They aren't throwing out second year guaranteed money contracts like every team. So to me their way doesn't mean they will be in cap hell. To me it is just wheeling and dealing within a parameter that ends with them being close to the cap yearly. By not overpaying contracts year after year it saves them from cap hell.
Bell is the one player who has handcuffed them lately, if we want to use the term strapped. But the Steelers seem to think he is worth it. But won't cave in to his ridiculous wants.
The Steelers are smarter than some of these other teams. When they rebuild it will be due to age, and needing influx of new talent. Not because they didn't spend wisely or by restructured contracts.
Simply the majority of their moves come with saving money in some way form or fashion. If not now but down the road. Like not handing out guaranteed boatloads of cash.