The Pittsburgh Steelers have fielded the NFL’s highest-paid defense since 2022, according to The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo.

“When [T.J.] Watt and [Minkah] Fitzpatrick’s salaries fully hit the cap, Pittsburgh became the NFL’s highest-paid defense in 2022 with a collective cap hit of $109.9 million, according to Over the Cap,” the Pittsburgh beat writer relayed on December 31.

“The defense has hung onto that title ever since,” DeFabo went on. Explaining: “The Steelers’ cap hit on defense bumped up to $111.7 million in 2023 and then $137.2 million this season. That’s more than $20 million beyond the next-most-expensive defense (the [Chicago] Bears at $117.03 million).”

He also added that “when 2024 offseason addition Patrick Queen’s cap hit spikes [in 2025], the Steelers are scheduled to again lead the league in defensive spending with $168.4 million, more than $34 million clear of the next-highest spender.”

Needless to say, Pittsburgh might have to consider making some trades or cuts on the defensive side.

Per Over the Cap, the Steelers’ most likely cap casualty this offseason is veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb — who recently returned to practice after a very long stint on the injured reserve. Over the Cap estimates 76.5% odds of a negative fate when it comes to the recovering linebacker.

While unfortunate for Holcomb, considering the alarming nature of his knee injury, this is the harsh reality of a business like the NFL.