http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4107676 Rumors became reality Tuesday as the Pittsburgh Steelers released starting inside linebacker Larry Foote, a seven-year veteran. It had been rumored for much of the offseason that Foote, made extraneous by the emergence of two-year veteran and former first-round pick Lawrence Timmons, would be either traded or released. It is believed the Steelers attempted to trade Foote during the NFL draft last weekend. A seven-year veteran, Foote is still a productive defender at only 28 years old. But a combination of economics and the urgency to move Timmons into the starting lineup led to his release. His resume includes 110 games, and 83 starts, including two Super Bowl victories. Foote has played in all 16 games for six straight seasons and started all 16 contests each of the past five years. The former University of Michigan standout is considered a strong player against the run but usually left the field in nickel situations. The fact that Foote was scheduled to earn a base salary of $2.885 million in 2009, a steep price to pay for a player projected as a reserve, was certainly a factor in the decision to release him. Foote had a salary cap figure of $3.5 million for 2009. The Steelers will have his base salary of $2.885 million refunded into their '09 cap. Tomlin on 2009 season Pittsburgh is typically tight against the spending limit and can sorely use the funds provided by Foote's release. Last week the Steelers had to release tailback Gary Russell in order to have enough cap room to sign backup quarterback Charlie Batch. Timmons was the team's first-round draft choice in 2007. He spent much of 2008 as the nickel linebacker and an occasional blitzer, two roles in which he excelled. It was generally considered that Timmons, who had 65 tackles and five sacks last season, was ready to break into the starting lineup. In six seasons, Foote posted 431 tackles, 14? sacks, three interceptions, 11 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles and four recoveries. Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.
Yeah, it's being discussed in the NFL forum. Good signing if we can get him to agree to be a backup. Based on his declining numbers, I'd like to think he doesn't have a choice in that regard.
Would you be open to getting him and trading D. Harris to the Browns for say a 2nd rounder next year? Just asking...
No, I wouldn't. We drafted Harris with a 2nd and he proved that he can play. Why trade him for a pick that could wind up being a bust? Maybe for a first rounder I would, or a 2nd and a 3rd.
Why would he be a bust? He's a proven starter in the Super Bowl winning team!!! ANyways it's not going to happen. he is 90% going to MoTown...
he said why trade a proven starter (harris) for a draft pick that could end up being a bust. not that foote is a bust.
I think the original point was the 2nd round pick we would get from Harris could be a bust. I'd certainly look into it but I'm not optimistic on our chances of bringing in Foote.
oh ok... well you never know of course... I just think with a new coaching staff it's good to have more picks. Harris is (I suppose) one of the leaders in the locker room but in a fantasy football world I would prefer Foote + 2nd round pick over D Harris. I guess I don't know if the team would be ok but from a FO point of view it could make sense... anyways it's not going to happen so big deal PS just for the record, I would not trade D Harris without knowing I'd get another good ILB. I'm not a Harris hater at all... I just think Foote is really good value.
I'd love to see a player of Foote's caliber here...but I'd wager on Detroit. He has the opportunity there to continue to be the man inside for another 3-4 years with pretty decent starter money. Here he would be in nothing more than a rotation. But, stranger things have happened! I say give a looksie and see what happens! Peace! The Mezz
