Corner Nelson Steven Nelson is no longer a hostage because the team has now ended his contract.
Nelson, who was given permission to trade for several days, asked social media on Tuesday not to hold the team hostage as the decision was made not to keep him.
Nelson would earn $ 8.25 million in 2021, the final year of his contract. In March 2019, Nelson signed a three-year contract with the Steelers totaling $ 25.5 million and including a $ 7.5 million bonus. The Steelers also restructured Nelson’s contract before the 2020 league year.
In his two seasons with the Steelers, Nelson has played in 30 games in the regular season and registered three interceptions, 17 defensive passes and 109 total attacks.
This situation with Nelson came out of the blue and moved quickly, as it looked like the Steelers were ready to let him play the last year of his contract in 2021 at least a few weeks ago. In fact, it seemed plausible that even at this point Nelson could sign a contract extension.
The fact that the Steelers have been unable to trade Nelson for the past few days is not particularly surprising given that he would earn $ 8.25 million in 2021 and that he was in the final year of his contract. The Chicago Bears recently tried to trade Kyle Fuller, but eventually terminated his contract after failing to find a team willing to swap salary costs for his $ 13 million in 2021.
As a result, the Steelers’ cut of Nelson clears $ 7.47 million in 2021 salary level after the top 51 relocation took place. The Steelers will have a death cost of $ 6.17 million for Nelson in 2021 because they are divorcing him.
UPDATE: Nelson has now tweeted his farewell.
Lots of love in Pittsburgh. I appreciate the opportunity and the relationships I have found offline. Respect for a Class A organization from above. Thank you to my day 1 fans and can not forget my haters, you motivate me more than you know🎯 #nelsonisland
– Steve Nelson (@ Nelson_Island) March 23, 2021