Big Lead Sports Bar

5/06/2009

LARRY FOOTE'S ALREADY A LION


That didn't take long.

Concluding a series of events in which the former Steeler linebacker asked out of a contract that would pay him nearly $3 million for the defending champions this season, Larry Foote reached a one year deal last night with his hometown, 0-16 Detroit Lions. Terms were not disclosed, and the contract is to be signed today.

I've actually heard criticism of both sides in the deal: the Steelers, for holding all the cards yet damaging their depth at linebacker, and Foote, for not sticking it out one more year despite an expected decrease in playing time. But this is the NFL in 2009, and this is the Steelers we're talking about, which means this is business as usual. The Steelers were still very close to the cap, and this will give them some breathing room. And Foote obviously thought about this prior to this offseason, with whispers about his wishes to play for the Lions popping up even before last season was over. Mike Tomlin undoubtedly weighed the value of having a player who doesn't want to be here in making the decision.

If history is any indication, most Steeler linebackers have limited success after leaving the franchise, with a few exceptions. Time will tell if this was the right move for all involved, but I think the Steelers will be just fine moving forward.

Foote, Lions agree to deal [PG]

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3 comments:

Jeff_King_Fan said...

It's best for both sides. Timmons is a stud, and ready to take over. And let's not underestimate the value of Foote over the years. He's not the big name on the defense, but he was a key contributor to the Steeler's success. So let's hold off on the Larry Bashing for a bit, and remember how solid of a player he was for our dominating Defense.

BurressWithButterflywings said...

from the Penthouse to the Shithouse

The Duke from Dukes Court said...

Why would he leave the Steelers for a 1 year deal with the Lions?

I understand he wants to start but he was going to start on 1st and 2nd downs with the Super Bowl champs and get paid pretty well for it too, why sign a 1 year deal with the worst franchise in the NFL? Is playing on 3rd down that important to him?