Following the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-10 loss on Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals the reality has likely already started to set in for several players that they might not be back next year.
Inside linebacker Larry Foote was asked about his future in the locker room following the game on Sunday and the reality that he might not be back has already started crossing his mind.
“I wouldn\’t be surprised if this is my last year and I wouldn\’t be surprised if I come back and play next year,” said the Steelers defensive signal caller. “You know I\’m at that age. You never know what\’s going to happen.”
Foote, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, will be 32 years old by the time training camp gets started next year. The Steelers already parted ways with him once, and with rookie linebacker Sean Spence expected to start at some point next season after having his first season wiped out by a knee injury suffered in the preseason, Foote very well could be playing his last game in the black and gold next Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Should Foote wind up coming back, you can bet that it will be on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum as the Steelers will be strapped for cap space. He did acknowledge after the game that he might not want to play any more so retirement is also a strong possibility.
Foote has started every game this season for the Steelers and heads into the final week leading the team in tackles with 104. He has also forced 2 fumbles this season in addition.
Foote was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Michigan and ha played all but one season in Pittsburgh.
