The Los Angeles Rams are making a surprise move, reportedly releasing starting linebacker Mark Barron, who is a very good player at his position.
A pre-free-agency surprise: Rams released starring inside LB Mark Barron, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2019
Barron was due to make a $3 million roster bonus on March 15, which likely had a lot to do with this decision. He still had two years left on his deal, which was originally a five-year, $45 million contract. Barron was set to count nearly $10 million against the cap and the Rams will be responsible for just $2 million in dead cap money, so this clearly was a cap-saving decision.
Originally a safety out of Alabama, Barron played three years in Tampa Bay before being traded to the then-St. Louis Rams. Eventually he converted to linebacker while with the Rams. He has tallied 628 tackles, nine sacks and eight interceptions since 2012.