A day after the Steelers received word from Troy Polamalu that the twelve-year veteran would be retiring the team made a move to solidify a veteran presence in the defensive backfield. The team re-signed 12th-year veteran Will Allen.
Allen has played for the Steelers for the past five seasons except for a short stint with the Dallas Cowboys in 2013. Allen was chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.
He played for the Bucs from 2004-2009 and was then signed by the Steelers in 2010.
Excited to be back in the black and gold + be a part of this great city! #steelersnation #pittsburgh... http://t.co/NwXpeqdWoz
— Will Allen (@_W__J__A_) April 10, 2015
Allen has six career interceptions and five forced fumbles in his career and will provide depth for the safety corps behind free safety Mike Mitchell. There the assumption that the retirement of Troy Polamalu gives way for third-year player Shamarko Thomas to step in and start at strong safety but you never know now with the re-signing of Allen.
Last month Steelers coach Mike Tomlin alluded to the possibility that the team could consider moving Mike Mitchell to strong safety while at the NFL Owners Meetings according to ESPN’s Scott Brown. Could that mean that they’re also open to moving Shamarko to free safety?
There’s also the option that a drafted safety jumps into the mix and creates competition with Thomas and keeps Allen in the veteran depth role that seems more aligned with a move towards younger and faster defense all around.
As well as Allen’s consistent contributions to the Steelers’ defensive backfield he’s also known for his foundation, The Will Allen Foundation, which was established in 2008 to provide tools and resources for the community and youth.
The foundation is currently working on a fundraiser to support the foundation’s Quest for Real Life Success programs which help high school seniors with everything from health and wellness to job interviewing as well as financial education, leadership skills and college readiness.
The programs are held at North Hills High School in Pittsburgh and Wayne High School in Dayton, OH. You can donate to the Will Allen Foundation right here.
What do you think of the re-signing of Will Allen Steeler Nation?
Next: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the Steelers Defense
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