Maybe he'll need a new nickname. Instead of "Dirty Red," the nickname Mike Tomlin stuck on Tyler Matakevich in his rookie season because he did all of the grimy work, he can now be "Rich Red."
Matakevich, a former seventh-round draft pick of the Steelers, struck it rich Tuesday, agreeing to a two-year, $9 million contract with the Bills. The deal was reported by the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
The deal makes Matakevich one of the highest-paid special teams stars in the NFL, though perhaps the Bills have bigger plans for the inside linebacker.
Matakevich joined the Steelers in 2016 out of Temple with a reputation of being a tackling machine. That has proven to be the case on special teams for the Steelers. In 2019, Matakevich matched the Chargers Derek Watt for the NFL lead in special teams tackles with 16.
But his pathway to more playing time in Pittsburgh was blocked by Ryan Shazier and Vince Williams and then in 2019 by the addition Devin Bush.
The departure of Matakevich does leave the Steelers short at inside linebacker. Monday, the team released Mark Barron in a cost-cutting move, leaving Williams, Bush and 2019 rookie Ulysees Gilbert, who missed most of last season with an injury, on the depth chart. The Steelers also have special teams player Robert Spillane there.
It's also a major blow to the Steelers special teams. The team released wide receiver Johnny Holton on Monday in a cost-cutting move, as well. His eight special teams tackles were second on the team to Matakevich last season.
The deal signed by Matakevich does figure to help the Steelers in compensatory picks. The team is tight against the salary cap and doesn't figure to be all that active on the free agent market.
He is the second player lost by the Steelers in the free agency period. Javon Hargrave agreed to terms with the Eagles Monday night.
