Steelers release linebacker Jon Bostic

The Pittsburgh Steelers needed little time to decide whether or not they’d keep four inside linebackers, releasing Jon Bostic after the draft.

The 2019 NFL Draft added a major pickup for the Steelers. Devin Bush is now in Pittsburgh and with Mark Barron and Vince Williams, this team didn’t need to keep their offseason signing from a year ago. So, they decided to cut Jon Bostic after only one season.

Bostic played a contributing role last year for the Steelers. He and Vince Williams filled the middle on most downs with LJ Fort becoming the primary coverage linebacker. But with a major gap remaining at the position, Pittsburgh decided to go out and fill their biggest need.

After signing Barron, many believed Bostic wouldn’t stay long into camp. He’s a primary run stuffer and with Williams being the guy they’d keep, there wasn’t much of a need for two run heavy inside linebackers.

That became almost certain after moving up ten picks in the draft to select Devin Bush. Bostic isn’t a special teams guy and wouldn’t have stuck around all camp to learn he’d be released anyways. Chances are if he wasn’t cut early he would’ve asked to be released before training camp.

Bostic had a decent season in 2018 and should find a home somewhere. He’s still young and showed he can continue to provide quality defense to any team. His last two seasons in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, he proved himself worthy of landing a job in the NFL.

For the Steelers, they have their three inside linebackers. It’s going to be a different look on the field with Barron, Williams and Bush. Hopefully, a better look. For a team who’s struggled at the position since losing Ryan Shazier, Pittsburgh went out and made sure their inside linebacker troubles were gone this offseason.