Three Steelers who are cap steals

How do you equate value as it pertains to players in the NFL? Production combined with pay? Nothing but production? As I was thinking about this recently, I started to wonder what would be labeled a salary cap steal.

The criteria are simple. You look at the player's production and their overall salary cap hit for the 2020 regular season. This means players on their rookie deals certainly have an advantage, but it doesn't mean that is the only way for a player to find their way onto this list.

With the help of OvertheCap.com, I have compiled three Steelers who would be considered the biggest salary cap steals heading into the 2020 season. The total next to the name is the player's cap number for this year.

1. T.J. Watt -- $2,945,985

When you think about Watt's incredible production since entering the league, he is a slam dunk to be atop this list. The Steelers have picked up his 5th year option and will be fortunate to have Ben Roethlisberger off the books when it comes time to pay Watt. At this point, it isn't even a question of whether Watt will continue on his current trajectory, but when he will break the Steelers' single season sack record held by James Harrison. Watt's 14.5 sacks in 2019 for just under $3 million? Yes, please. Enjoy it now, because the Steelers will have to bring in the Brinks truck to give Watt his next contract.

2. Minkah Fitzpatrick -- $1,975,252

One of the main reasons I was completely on board with the Steelers making the trade for Fitzpatrick prior to Week 3 last season was how the team would be picking up his rookie contract. In other words, they would have an elite, young safety for extremely cheap. Oh, and they also still have him under contract for the next three seasons, assuming they pick up his 5th year option. Fitzpatrick burst onto the scene and helped solidify Keith Butler's defense, not just playing lockdown safety but having a hand in the Steelers' NFL leading 38 takeaways.

3. Stefen Wisniewski -- $1,237,500

I'm sure some of you reading this were rolling your eyes at the top two selections, considering they are on their slotted rookie contracts. But not Wisniewski, who is third on my list. This veteran offensive lineman was signed to a dirt-cheap contract, accounting for just over $1 million dollars. Wisniewski has won two Super Bowls in the past two years and comes to his hometown team at just the right price. And just the right time, too. With the retirement of Ramon Foster, it leaves a hole at the left guard position. The Steelers could move Matt Feiler to guard, and let the battle begin between Chuks Okorafor and Zach Banner at tackle, but Wisniewski could step in and be the Day 1 starter. Wisniewski's value is more than just guard, he is the interior offensive line depth at both guard and center the team has needed with the departure of B.J. Finney to the Seahawks. All at just over a cool million.

Some players who made the honorable mention list:

JuJu Smith-Schuster -- $1,335,020
Zach Banner -- $1,750,000
Diontae Johnson -- $972,946

While the Steelers always are bellied up to the salary cap, you can see there is a tremendous amount of value on their roster from younger players. A great deal of a team's success comes from the value they receive from players when they cost the least amount of money, during their rookie contracts. The Steelers and Kevin Colbert do a tremendous job in this area, despite what many might think, and it shows when you look at the production they put on the field.

Be sure to check out the article where I highlight the Top 3 inflated contracts, or salary cap busts, on the Steelers' roster. Just click HERE.