NFL: Odds considered very strong of Foote resigning with Steelers on 1 year deal?

The Steelers have 16 unrestricted free agents with the notables being Mike Wallace, Keenan Lewis, Ramon Foster, and the odds are the Steelers might only resign two to three of their 16 UFA’s at the most, and that might be an optimistic outlook.

The one player, though, regarded as having maybe the strongest odds of returning in 2013 is 32 year old linebacker Larry Foote.

Barring an unforeseen multi-year offer coming from another team, Foote and the Steelers both expect to reach a one year deal at somepoint in March, sources have said. Foote is prepared to take a paycut after making $3 million in 2012.

The 32 year old had 113 tackles, 4 sacks, 11 pressures and 2 forced fumbles in 2012. The coaching staff has made it known they want Foote back as the starter next season at the buck position. The Steelers have no starting inside linebacker in waiting as Stevenson Sylvester (RFA) is not regarded by the staff as starters material and 2012 third round pick Sean Spence is recovering from a major knee injury.

NOTABLES UFA’S: QB Byron Leftwich; QB Charlie Batch; RB Rashard Mendenhall; WR Mike Wallace; WR Plaxico Burress; OT Max Starks; OG Ramon Foster; OG Doug Legursky; DL Casey Hampton; LB Larry Foote; LB Brandon Johnson; DB Keenan Lewis; DB Will Allen; DB Ryan Mundy, LS Greg Warren, TE Leonard Pope