Next in our Pittsburgh Steelers’ free agent watch is safety Will Allen

2014 pay: Allen made $1.02 million but counted just $635,000 against the salary cap since he signed a veteran minimum contract.

By the numbers: Allen started four games at strong safety for the injured Troy Polamalu and recorded 30 tackles and also forced a fumble.

The case for keeping him: Allen rejuvenated his career after getting released by the Dallas Cowboys during the 2013 season and re-signing with the Steelers. He has been valuable as a No. 3 safety well as a spot starter in his second stint with the Steelers. With the Steelers intent on moving on without Polamalu they could use some insurance at strong safety if Shamarko Thomas is not ready to start. And Allen would probably sign another veteran minimum contract that would allow the Steelers to release him with no cap ramifications if he does not play well enough to make the team next season.

The case for letting him walk: Allen has played 11 NFL seasons and turns 33 in June. If the Steelers are fully committed to getting younger, Allen might not be in their plans. Next season is a critical one for Thomas and the Steelers might not want the 2013 fourth-round draft pick looking over his shoulder if Allen is still in the mix at safety.

Prediction: Allen is a reliable veteran who still contributes on special teams, and the Steelers need experienced depth at safety. Maybe they sign a safety in free agency, but it makes more sense for the Steelers to bring back Allen for one more season. If he is willing to sign another veteran minimum contract Allen will be back in 2015.