The Steelers doubled down on the inside linebacker position last season, signing veteran Mark Barron in free agency, then making a trade to move up in the draft to acquire Devin Bush with the 10th-overall selection.
That paid immediate dividends, as Barron and Bush both played critical roles in the team's defensive surge last season, with Barron logging 750 snaps in the middle of the team's defense, many of them alongside Bush, who led the team in tackles while also recording two interceptions and recovering four fumbles.
But with the team up against the salary cap, the decision was made to release Barron, who was due a big raise on the two-year deal he signed last season, leaving the Steelers with Bush and holdover Vince Williams, another key contributor, to handle the starting duties as things now stand.