Steelers Free Agent Spotlight: LB Jamaal Westerman
By Kim Myers
Oct 13, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Jamaal Westerman (93) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bengals beat the Bills 27 to 24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
In this edition of the free agent spotlights we’re going to stick with the linebackers and focus on Jamaal Westerman. The Steelers picked Westerman up off of waivers in December of 2013 after LaMarr Woodley was done for the year with his calf injury. He has only been with the Steelers since December 17, 2013.
Jamaal Westerman was signed by the New York Jets in 2009 as an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers. He made the roster as an outside linebacker and remained on the Jets’ roster until the end of the 2011 season. After that point he was signed by the Miami Dolphins but was released during final cuts in 2012. He was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals and made one tackle in five games for the Cards. He was waived and then signed by the Colts and then waived again. He signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2013, played 12 games and was released in early December, landing him on the Steelers roster.
In his five seasons so far in the NFL Jamaal only has 9 tackles and a half a sack to his credit. But, that can mostly be attributed to the fact that he seems to have spent more time on waivers than actually on a roster so far. Westerman was signed for depth only and never played a snap for the team.
I hardly think the Steelers take time to extend a contract to Westerman for depth purposes only, considering the pressing matters at hand, especially at outside linebacker. If Westerman is available on waivers the next time an injury occurs, that might be the only way he puts on a Steelers uniform again.
What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Do you see Jamaal Westerman as a Steeler in the future?
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