Linebacker Mark Barron has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This news comes after several reports, including ESPN insider Adam Schefter. Barron’s change of scenery has become official after spending his past five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, and three seasons prior with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Barron had been on year four of a five-year, $45 million deal with the Rams.
Former Rams’ LB Mark Barron reached agreement on a two-year, $12 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per source. A rare free-agent foray for Pittsburgh.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2019
Mark Barron, Pittsburgh Steelers Agree to Contract
While it may have been hard for Barron to stand out on a team with so many defensive stars, he was no slouch. Last season with the Rams, he could only play 12 games due to an ankle injury. Despite missing a quarter of the season, he was able to record 60 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one safety. Barron additionally recorded 32 tackles during the playoffs en route to the Rams’ Super Bowl berth.
Despite his recent ankle injury, Barron has shown no other red flags. He’s proven to be a reliable, above average player during his whole career. During his seven seasons, he’s played all 16 games four times and has only missed eight games throughout his career.
Barron grew up in Mobile, AL where he attended St. Paul’s Episcopal School. There, he was a star player under a multitude of positions, including running back, linebacker, and wide receiver. Barron was named MVP after recording 1,094 yards on 122 carries and 15 touchdowns. After high school, he attended the University of Alabama where he was twice named All-American and was a part of two National Championship teams. What was perhaps his best season came as a sophomore, as he recorded 74 tackles, seven interceptions, and one touchdown. His final season at Alabama saw him become both a first-team All-SEC selection and a unanimous first-team All-American selection before becoming the seventh overall draft pick.
