Report: Steelers won't cut safety Troy Polamalu, will rework deal

Troy Polamalu had 69 tackles, five forced fumbles and two interceptions last season. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Despite being over the salary cap, the Steelers won't cut eight-time Pro Bowler Troy Polamalu, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday.

Schefter writes that the organization feels devoted to Polamalu after all he has done for the Steelers:

"One source said the Rooney family [which owns the Steelers] simply is too loyal and Polamalu has been [too] valuable."

SI WIRE: Report: NFL might experiment with 42-yard extra points

So now the team has two options: It can attempt to restructure the 11-year veteran's contract, which runs through this season and has a $10.88 million salary-cup figure, or try to get him to take a pay cut. The Steelers are $15.5 million over the cap, according to ESPN.

Polamalu, who turns 33 in April, made 69 tackles last season, with two interceptions, five forced fumbles and 11 pass deflections. He also played every defensive snap, according to Schefter. However, he has missed 22 regular season games the last five years.

The 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Polamalu has 35 interceptions, 12.5 sacks and 12 forced fumbles in 146 regular season games and 14 postseason games, and helped lead Pittsburgh to victories in Super Bowls XL and XLIII.

SI WIRE: Seahawks CB Brandon Browner says he's been reinstated after suspension