The Pittsburgh Steelers selected a few inside linebackers in this year’s draft and those draft picks have resulted in a veteran linebacker under contract being cut Saturday evening.
The Steelers announced on Saturday night that veteran linebacker Jon Bostic has had his contract terminated. His release comes following the Steelers selecting inside linebackers Devin Bush and Ulysees Gilbert III during the 2019 NFL Draft. The team also drafted edge rusher Sutton Smith this year and he might also get to show he can play inside at some point.
In addition to addressing the inside linebacker position a few times during this year’s draft, the Steelers also signed veteran inside linebacker Mark Barron to a free agent contract in March.
Bostic was signed by the Steelers to a two-year contract last March after starting 14 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. Last season with the Steelers, Bostic registered 73 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and 3 defensed passes in the 16 games he played in, of which 14 he started.
Bostic was scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.8 million in 2019 and count $2.5 million against the team’s salary cap. By cutting him, the Steelers will save $1.8 million in salary cap space prior to roster displacement in the Rule of 51. They will incur a dead money charge of $700,000 in 2019 as a result of his release.
