Defensive end Steven Means is leaving Atlanta after four years. Means re-signed with the team he played for in 2014, the Baltimore Ravens, after attending their obligatory minicamp tryout earlier this week.
Before Week 2 of the 2018 season, Means joined the Atlanta Falcons. He played in eight games that year, with four starts. His stats included 14 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 TFLs.
Means was rewarded with a one-year contract for his performance in 2019, but he tore his Achilles tendon in organized team activities and missed the full season.
Despite this, Atlanta re-signed Means for a single more season in 2020, and he had his greatest professional year to date, starting 11 of 16 games and setting career highs in sacks (3) and games played (16).
Even though the 2020 season would see the departure of the decision-makers who originally hired Means, his performance would be deemed satisfactory enough to earn him a fourth consecutive one-year contract. The Buffalo native achieved a new personal best by starting all 14 games he played in this season.
At the end of the game, Means had a total of 43 tackles, 2 for loss, and 1 sack. Means’ contributions as a leader and team player were recognized when he was invited to participate in defensive coordinator Dean Pees’ “signal-callers meeting.” Means has the support of Head Coach Arthur Smith.
While Means’ statistics weren’t always impressive, he was an integral part of Pees’ defense thanks to his work setting firm edges and stopping the run. He is also well-liked by his teammates and will provide Baltimore with significant benefits away from the field.
How Much Does Steven Means Make?
Steven Means makes an average of $1,120,000 per year. Means base salary will be $1,120,000 in 2022, and his cap hit will be $895,000.