The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to exercise patience with Troy Polamalu as the veteran safety mulls whether he wants to retire or play in 2015.
“The Steelers are giving Troy the space and time he needs to make a decision that is very respectful of his 12 years with the organization,” Marvin Demoff, Polamalu’s agent, said in an email to ESPN.com.
Polamalu, who is due a base salary of $6 million in 2015, is not in the Steelers' plans for next season. The organization is hoping the eight-time Pro Bowler retires so it doesn’t have to cut one of the most decorated and popular players in franchise history.
The Steelers would clear $3.75 million under the salary cap if they release Polamalu and don’t designate it a post-June 1 cut. But if the start of free agency is any indication the team doesn’t need the extra room right now.
The Steelers have been deliberate to say the least since the signing period started on Tuesday.
They have not signed any outside free agents while losing cornerback Brice McCain to the Miami Dolphins and outside linebacker Jason Worilds to early retirement.
They have scheduled a visit with former Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams for Friday, but things have mostly been quiet for the Steelers on the free agency front.
Polamalu, meanwhile, has to decide whether he wants to play for another organization after spending 12 seasons with the Steelers.
The 5-foot-10, 207-pounder did not record a sack or interception last season. The only other time that has happened is 2007.
Polamalu, who turns 34 next month, is tied for seventh on the Steelers for all-time interceptions (32) and has long been one of the faces of the franchise.
A source close to Polamalu told ESPN.com recently that he will play for another team only if it is an “ideal situation.”
The Steelers are giving Polamalu time to figure out his future, something Kevin Colbert indicated they would do when the organization released a statement from the general manager at the beginning of the week.
“At this time, we do not have an update on Troy Polamalu or his contract status,” Colbert said on Monday. “We will continue to communicate with Troy and his representatives regarding his future.”