On Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported former Rams linebacker Mark Barron signed a 2 year, $12 million deal.
Barron spent two and a half seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Barron was originally drafted as a safety, but after being traded to the Rams in 2014, he made the move to linebacker to fill in for injury.
Barron played 12 games for the Rams in 2018, totaling 60 combined tackles with one sack, forced fumble and pass defended. The 29-year-old linebacker was cut from the Rams on March 5 to save $6.33 million in cap space.
Barron is expected to play inside linebacker for Pittsburgh, although in Keith Butler’s defense, he may be expected to fill the role of L.J. Fort, who departed for the Eagles in free agency. With his background in pass coverage and athleticism, Barron is favored to find himself on the field during passing situations and specific defensive packages.
Mark Barron "Hybrid Inside Linebacker" 2017 Los Angeles Rams Highlights pic.twitter.com/K9hfsqGjQV
— Clash Of The Horns 2021 SB Champions (@RamfamPodcaster) May 8, 2018
The signing likely rules out the rumors of signing Justin Houston, although the move for Houston might have been a stretch to begin with.
The Steelers essentially replace Fort with Barron, although the price tag for the former first round pick may be too steep for Pittsburgh’s liking.