Mark

Barron

Cut by the Steelers in March, Barron was in COVID-season limbo until late August, when the Broncos gave him a one-year, $1.75 million contract. He ended up on injured reserve with a hamstring injury and has played zero 2020 snaps. The No. 7 overall pick of the 2012 draft turned 31 in October. He is on his last NFL legs.

The Broncos just signed Barron last month. He has an extra day to get ready with Denver playing Monday night but looks on the wrong side of questionable. One of Denver’s better cover linebackers, Barron’s absence would be an upgrade to TE Jonnu Smith’s matchup.

Barron was initially drafted by Tampa Bay with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2012 draft. He entered the league as a safety but struggled and eventually moved to linebacker. Barron found his footing with the Rams, starting every game he was active for from 2016 to 2018. He landed in Pittsburgh last year and recorded three pass defenses and three sacks plus an interception. With Todd Davis (calf) sidelined, Barron gives the Broncos depth and versatility at linebacker.

The move frees up $5.25 million in cap space after Barron signed a “two-year, $12 million” contract last March. Barron made nine starts in 2019, alternating between the middle and weak-side. He notched three sacks and an interception. Barron is still a perfectly competent, versatile player.

The Rams initially released Barron in early March with the idea they could re-sign him in the open market. He’ll instead play behind Vince Williams in the middle of DC Keith Butler’s modified version of the 4-3 defense. 30 in October, Barron’s play plummeted last season and will need to be much better if he expects to compete for reps ahead of ILB Jon Bostic.

Barron had two years remaining on his contract. The move frees up $6.33 million in cap space while leaving behind $3.33 million in dead money. Something of an annual release candidate, Barron remained a starter and near every-down player last season, but his play was subpar. Barron never developed into the player either the Bucs or the Rams were expecting. Going on 30, Barron’s versatility should still help him find a third chance in free agency.

The Rams never publicly revealed the extent of Barron’s injury, but it was likely a high ankle sprain. Coach Sean McVay did hint Wednesday that Barron will be eased back in, likely not playing a full complement of snaps. In Barron’s absence, the Rams have been leaky in run defense and tight end coverage.

Barron hasn’t been able to play in the first two weeks and shouldn’t be expected to suit up until further notice. ILB Ramik Wilson and S Marqui Christian will continue to split time in his stead.

Barron was officially doubtful, so there was never much chance of him playing. The Rams also declared WR Mike Thomas (hip), RB John Kelly, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, QB Brandon Allen, DT Tanzel Smart, and OLB Trevon Young inactive for Week 2.

The good news is he’s healthy enough to run relatively long distances at full speed after postseason double hernia surgery. The bad news is Barron got off to a “dreadful start” on his second forty-yard dash, resulting in the 4.73. The two-time first-team All-American projects as a borderline first-round pick.