The Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker Larry Foote are in the process of finalizing a three year deal with the total worth of the contract worth close to $8.85 million, according to a league source.
Barring an unforeseen development, Foote is expected to officially sign with the Steelers Monday morning and could participate in Monday’s OTA workouts.
The Steelers have been courting Foote with a multi-year offer as the team has been in contact with agent Brian Levy.
The parameters of the deal is finalized and Foote will receive upwards of $2.25 million per season.
Although the Steelers are not offering Foote a starting job, he is being pursued as a potential replacement for close friend James Farrior beyond next season.
Foote returning to Pittsburgh is a surprising development after the veteran linebacker reportedly was seeking a three year deal upwards of $14 million and a starting job.
After a one year stint with the Detroit Lions in 2009, Foote did not receive the kind of offers his camp expected, which opened the door for a return to Pittsburgh.
Foote struggled mightily last season in passing situations which is what hurt his stock around the league.
Just four days ago, Foote called the Arizona Cardinals his first choice and said he wanted to be a “Cardinal.
However, there is talk out of Arizona that the Cardinals never made an offical offer during Foote’s visit last Wednesday, Thursday.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported on Friday that Foote was scheduled to visit the Steelers on Monday.
The Steelers bringing back former players is not normal for the franchise but just last week Pittsburgh signed wide receiver Antwaan Randle El to a three-year, $7 million contract, that included a $900,000 signing bonus.