Pittsburgh Steelers can add a new free agent target following surprise release by Miami Dolphins
We are in the time of year when cap casualties are coming far and wide. With teams looking to sort out their financials ahead of Monday's legal tampering period, releases are flowing. One of them happens to come at a position of need for Pittsburgh, with the perfect recruiting pitch for him: Dolphins Release Jerome […]
We are in the time of year when cap casualties are coming far and wide.
With teams looking to sort out their financials ahead of Monday's legal tampering period, releases are flowing.
One of them happens to come at a position of need for Pittsburgh, with the perfect recruiting pitch for him:
Dolphins Release Jerome Baker
Baker was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Dolphins, where he spent the last six seasons, signing a three-year, 37.5 million dollar extension in 2021 that had his final year terminated following the news.
But it wasn't because of lack of production, as Baker has played in 16 or more games in 5 of his six seasons, totaled over 100 tackles three times, and even has a 7 sack season that rivals some pass rushers.
With Miami nearly $30 million over the cap via effective cap space, and contract extensions like Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle on the horizon, the Dolphins need all the funds they can get, making Baker's termination effective.
Why Pittsburgh?
Not only do the Steelers need more help at LB, especially in light of GM Omar Khan's unwelcoming comments based on the projection of Cole Holcomb, but they have quite the recruiting pitch.
For one, we know how much Pittsburgh's front office and coaching staff love Big-10 athletes, and more specifically, one's from OSU.
On top of that however, they have Baker's former teammate and backer brother Elandon Roberts on the team, who played with Baker from 2020-2022 in Miami.
But perhaps most importantly, Baker gives Pittsburgh the type of athlete they need to pair with Roberts as Holcomb gets back from injury. His coverage and multiplicity make him a prime candidate for the inside baker position opposite of Roberts and would be a welcomed addition on a cost-efficient salary.
Steelers miss out on potential free agent after he receives the franchise tag from Chicago Bears
See why Pittsburgh’s hesitation may have cost them.
