Report: Steelers planning to play 2015 without Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu remains on the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster, but it doesn't sound like the veteran safety is in the team's plans.

Rumors circulated earlier this offseason that the Steelers hoped for Polamalu to announce his retirement and save the team from the messiness of releasing one of the all-time great Steelers, but Polamalu has yet to announce a decision.

Nonetheless,  reports suggest the Steelers don't plan to play the 2015 season with Polamalu on their roster, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

It's possible the Steelers still hope the 33-year-old, who has lost more than a few steps in recent years, will ultimately retire, or that Polamalu has already informed the Steelers of his retirement and the two parties are waiting for the ideal time to announce the news.

It's also possible Polamalu plans to call the Steelers' bluff. Perhaps he knows the Steelers aren't prepared to face the backlash from fans upset the team would dump a true Pittsburgh icon.

Ultimately, the two sides may meet in the middle. Polamalu is due to earn $6 million next season and $5.75 million in 2016. A renegotiated contract that would push Polamalu to a backup/mentor role with a greatly reduced contract could be a nice compromise.