The Steelers have agreed to sign linebacker Mark Barron to a two-year, $12MM deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Barron, 29, was released by the Rams earlier this month in a move that saved Los Angeles $6.5MM in cap space. He was due a $5MM base salary and a $3MM roster bonus in 2019, so Barron won’t recoup his single-season earnings under his new contact with the Steelers.
A former safety, Barron was traded from the Buccaneers to the Rams during the 2014 campaign. In each of his first two full seasons with Los Angeles, Barron posted at least 100 tackles, and compiled 16 tackles for loss in 2016. The No. 7 overall selection in the 2012 draft, Barron has 104 appearances and 93 starts under his belt.
Pittsburgh is in need of help at inside linebacker, as neither Vince Williams nor Jonathan Bostic graded as a top-40 LB league-wide in 2018, per Pro Football Focus. Specifically, the Steelers needed to reinforce their second-level pass defense after ranking 31st in DVOA against opposing tight ends and 15th against running backs, according to Football Outsiders.
The Steelers have only ~$6.8MM in cap space, so Barron’s deal — even if it likely has a cheap cap charge in 2019 — will push them closer to the brink. Given that he was cut, Barron won’t factor into Pittsburgh’s compensatory pick formula.
I don’t know how the Steelers have the money to sign Moncrief, Barron and Nelson. They gave Nelson $8.5 million, and Barron $6 million per year. They were only supposed to have around $15 million in cap space, so where is the money for Moncrief coming from? I doubt such a solid receiver would sign for pennies, especially given Tyrell Williams got $11 million a year on his new deal.
They actually had closer to $30 million in cap space because of Bell coming off of the books as of last week. But depending on the Moncrief money (still not announced for some reason) they are now close to the cap limit again.
Yeah, I meant to say I thought they only had $15 million. I wasn’t really sure, I just worded it wrong. Still, it’s weird to see the Steelers step into free agency like this and sign some solid players
I’d assume a contract restructure is in the works. Perhaps with Ben.
They also gave new deals to Pouncey and Foster keeping the O-line together a little longer. This offseason has been far more proactive about addressing roster needs prior to the draft than any I can remember.
I wish the Lions would’ve got in on him.
I thought for sure the Steelers were looking to get Bush from Michigan but maybe they don’t feel he will get to them. After these signings I really don’t know who they will look at drafting possible Olineman ???? Gonna be interesting possibly another corner that won’t be forced to start in case Haden leaves next year.
Defensive side of the ball still room for DB
They had to do something with the browns making great moves
Steelers need a Barron more than than they needed Bell. And likely more than they need Br…Big Chest.
Smart to fill the hole now instead of taking chances in the draft.
Yup, they surely need Ben to lead the league in INT’s, passing attempts and yards again. Sure was a coincidence that they loose 400 touches, then become so pass happy. You’re right though, you’re smart.
They LOOSE? LoL! You have some nerve telling someone else that they’re not smart! It’s LOSE! Oh wait, autocorrect right? LoL