Report: Steelers to release S Morgan Burnett by April 1

Steelers have informed veteran S Morgan Burnett that they will release him by April 1, per the player’s request, said his agent Kevin Conner. Burnett was told release would occur Weds, but Steelers say accounting issues will delay it another week. Another S about to be on market

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 22, 2019

Shortly after the end of the season, there was a rumor Pittsburgh Steelers safety Morgan Burnett was planning to ask for his release. Now, according to NFL reporter Adam Schefter, Brunett is getting his wish. Schefter is reporting, per Burnett’s agent the team will give him his release by April 1.

The Burnett signing last offseason seemed like a great fit. However, Burnett battled injuries for much of the season and when he was healthy was miscast as a dime linebacker. Burnett appeared in 11 games with two starts and finished with 30 tackles.

The signing of Mark Barron marked the end for Burnett. By releasing Burnett before June 1 the Steelers will save $3.6 million but carry $2.8 million in dead money. Pittsburgh could have saved have the dead money and saved over $5 million by waiting until after June 1.