Five things the Steelers should do during the bye week, but probably won’t

A free agent linebacker has not quite lived up to expectations thus far for the Steelers

When the Steelers signed Mark Barron in free agency, I was optimistic that he would become the ‘cover’ LB the defense needed. At 6’2″ and 230 lbs, Barron possesses the physical attributes of a linebacker who would be good both against the run and against the pass.  That has not been the case, as far as I’m concerned.

According to the official website of the Steelers, Barron has recorded 19 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 1 INT through five games. He did not play against the Chargers because of an injury.  Look, I understand it takes time for free-agent to acclimate himself to a defensive scheme, but Barron, quite frankly, has been neither good against the run nor against the pass.

To further illuminate how ineffective Barron has been, according to Pro-Football-Focus, he has allowed passes thrown his way to be completed 78.6% of the time.  Barron has allowed opposing QBs to attain a 90.8% pass rating when he has been covering the opposing player.  Barron has also allowed an average of 8.3 yards per completion.

To put it bluntly, Barron has been just bad in coverage.  I suspect the Steelers thought  Barron would be better in coverage than he has been.  So what should the Steelers do?  Release Barron, but they probably won’t.

I understand that we generally do not make such drastic moves during the season, but the defense simply does not need Barron.  I suppose Barron could serve as a backup, but what would that say about our ability to evaluate free agents?  I think it would speak volumes.

What other moves should the Steelers make during the bye week?