The Steelers are going to have another high profile departure. Pittsburgh plans to release safety Morgan Burnett sometime before April 1st, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.
Pittsburgh is still attempting to trade Burnett, as general manager Kevin Colbert explained to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette (Twitter link). But if the Steelers aren’t able to find a trade partner willing to take on Burnett, Colbert confirmed the club will release the veteran defensive back.
According to Burnett’s agent, the safety requested the move. A source told Fowler that “the team and player discussed trade possibilities before the release.” We heard a couple of months ago that Burnett was unhappy and wanted to be released, and now he’s getting his wish, although a bit later than he had hoped.
The safety market has been very active and was crowded to begin with, and there are still some big names available like Tre Boston and Eric Berry. As such, Burnett might have to wait a little while before finding a new home. Burnett apparently wanted to be released because he didn’t like that the Steelers were playing him at linebacker at times, and wanted to go to a team where he could be a full-time safety again.
When the move becomes official, Burnett will have made it just one year into the three-year, $14.5MM pact he signed last March. Burnett is 30 now, and not the player he once was with the Packers. He also missed five games with injury last year, and four games the year before that. Th 2010 third round pick had six passes defended and 30 tackles last year in his part-time role, although he did still receive slightly above average marks from Pro Football Focus.
Better early than late.
It seams strange to not communicate to the player what you have planned for how he will be utilized. So either the Steelers are totally messed up or the player is
I think they may be waiting on more additions to the defense via FA or the draft. Hard to play a hand that you haven’t been dealt yet.
If I remember correctly, he was signed to play the safety/linebacker hybrid role to help offset the speed lost from Shazier. It seems like he no longer wanted to play the role he signed on for.
What’s the difference between having Morgan Burnett and not having Morgan Burnett?
.. it’s a trick question
This seems odd because I distinctly remember when he signed last year, they said it was to fill a hybrid Safety/Dime Backer role. Burnett I thought even said he was excited for that.
Oh well. Frankly his play was terrible, so not surprising either way he’s getting his release.
When he played
Good riddance let him take his dry snitching always hurt ass somewhere else
Best thing is how he came out and requested his release. Trying to save face on what was obviously going to happen.
The Steelers are a train wreck off the tracks. No management and Baby Ben what a disaster. He so the LeBron of football. Tomlin has no control over that team.
Name ONE teammate/ex teammate that’s come out and trashed LeBron. Not to mention, comparing Ben to a guy that’s led a team to 8 straight NBA finals appearances is idiotic. Plus, LBJ understand NO means NO.
Bet they sign Tre Boston
Not sure what’s up with Berry.. feel like the Boys would’ve got something done if it was within reason.
What is going on in Steelerlandia?
Damn everybody needs to get off my boys tips
Steelers have not had a Top 10 pick since 2000 the average picking at 24 that is the definition of consistent
Guys don’t wanna be here peace out & next man up !!!!
Dallas bound?