Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Players who likely won’t return in 2020
By Samuel Teets
The Pittsburgh Steelers got stuck at 8-8 in 2019. Some of their players won’t be back for the 2020 season either because of free agency or roster cuts.
The Pittsburgh Steelers amassed plenty of talented players during the 2010s. However, the franchise opens the new decade with some tough roster decisions. Between the cap crunch and free agency, Pittsburgh will part ways with several notable players this offseason.
Most of the players appearing below are pending free agents. With limited cap space and young players replacing veterans, the Steelers will lose a lot of players in free agency. While they aren’t among the five players chosen for this article, Javon Hargrave and Vance McDonald could become free agent casualties this offseason.
Now, let’s jump into the rankings, beginning with a struggling free agent signing from 2019.
5. Mark Barron, ILB
The Barron signing last offseason didn’t look great when it happened, and it still doesn’t look great. Per Spotrac, there is a potential out in Barron’s two-year $12 million deal after the 2019 season that will create $2,875,000 in dead cap. Barron started nine games for the Steelers this year.
The safety turned linebacker became a liability on Pittsburgh’s otherwise stout defense. He finished the season with 82 tackles, three sacks and one interception in 15 games played. Barron turned 30 earlier this season.
The Steelers have other options that make Barron obsolete. 2019 first-round pick, Devin Bush Jr., is the future star at inside linebacker. Despite some issues in pass coverage, Bush played like a veteran in his rookie season.
Vince Williams, a 2013 sixth-round pick and fan favorite, dealt with injuries early in the season. If he stays healthy, then Williams is more critical to the defense than Barron.