Mark Barron

Cut by the Steelers in March, Barron was in COVID-season limbo until late August, when the Broncos gave him a one-year, $1.75 million contract. He ended up on injured reserve with a hamstring injury and has played zero 2020 snaps. The No. 7 overall pick of the 2012 draft turned 31 in October. He is on his last NFL legs. 

The Broncos just signed Barron last month. He has an extra day to get ready with Denver playing Monday night but looks on the wrong side of questionable. One of Denver’s better cover linebackers, Barron's absence would be an upgrade to TE Jonnu Smith’s matchup.

Barron was initially drafted by Tampa Bay with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2012 draft. He entered the league as a safety but struggled and eventually moved to linebacker. Barron found his footing with the Rams, starting every game he was active for from 2016 to 2018. He landed in Pittsburgh last year and recorded three pass defenses and three sacks plus an interception. With Todd Davis (calf) sidelined, Barron gives the Broncos depth and versatility at linebacker.

The move frees up $5.25 million in cap space after Barron signed a "two-year, $12 million" contract last March. Barron made nine starts in 2019, alternating between the middle and weak-side. He notched three sacks and an interception. Barron is still a perfectly competent, versatile player.