PITTSBURGH (March 18, 2005) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers restructured the contract of left tackle Marvel Smith to free up salary-cap space.
Smith will be paid the minimum-wage base salary in 2005. Over the past three years, Smith has been given millions in bonus money while making the NFL minimum in salary each year.
Before the 2003 season, Smith agreed to a six-year contract. Last year, Smith restructured his base salary.
The Steelers need the money gained from the restructuring in order to sign their upcoming draft class. They also might use the money to negotiate multiple-year contracts for restricted free agents Chris Hope, Verron Haynes, Lee Mays or Brett Keisel.
AP NEWS
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