Steelers tell cornerback Nelson he is free to look for trade

The Steelers told cornerback Steven Nelson he is free to seek a trade with another NFL team, a move designed to create more than $8 million in salary cap space, a team source told the Post-Gazette.

Nelson was scheduled to earn $8.25 million in salary and count $14.42 million against the cap in 2021, the final year of a threeyear, $25.5 million contract he signed in free agency in 2019.

Nelson was rated one of the top cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus, but his play declined late in the season, beginning with a poor performance against the Buffalo Bills.

The decision came down to the Steelers deciding which of their cornerbacks to keep — Nelson or veteran Joe Haden, who has a $15.575 million salary-cap hit with a $7 million salary in 2021.

If a trade for Nelson cannot be made, he is expected to be released.

His departure means the Steelers will have lost five starters (including nickelback Mike

Hilton) from last season’s defense.

Seahawks

Seattle is bringing back their top running back after reaching an agreement with Chris Carson on a two-year contract. Carson was a seventh-round pick in 2017. Carson rushed for 1,151 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns in 2018 and in 2019 rushed for a career-best 1,230 yards and seven touchdowns.

Browns

General manager Andrew Berry continued his offseason overhaul of the defense by signing free-agent linebacker Anthony Walker to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.

Vikings

Minnesota will forfeit its seventh-round selection in the draft this year for a collective bargaining agreement salary cap violation.

Chargers

Corey Linsley is the NFL’s highest-paid center after signing with Los Angeles. Linsley’s fiveyear contract averages $12.5 million per season.

Texans

Quarterback Deshaun Watson is being sued by four more women who accuse him of sexual assault and harassment. The lawsuits were filed Thursday night, hours after the NFL said it was investigating earlier allegations by three massage therapists who said the quarterback sexually assaulted them during massages.

Dolphins

Linebackers Duke Riley and Brennan Scarlett each agreed to terms on one-year contracts.