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Steelers Free Agency: Defensive Line and Linebackers

By Kim Myers

Oct 25, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) and nose tackle Steve McLendon (90) celebrate after a stop against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) and nose tackle Steve McLendon (90) celebrate after a stop against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steve McLendon, DT

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Steve McLendon (90) against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Steve McLendon (90) against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Steve McLendon had a rough start with the Steelers after being signed as an undrafted free agent in April of 2009 out of Troy University. By my count McLendon was either cut or waived a combined five times before the 2011 season when he played in a career-high 14 games. Of course we know why McLendon saw so little playing time in the beginning.

McLendon has unfortunately served as a constant reminder that there was and only ever will be one Casey Hampton. Hampton occupied the nose tackle position from 2001-2012 for the Steelers defense and made a name for himself as “Big Snack” and the immovable object that always had to be double-teamed, allowing for pass rushing galore.

While McLendon has been solid for the Steelers with 84 career tackles, 5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles he never quite assumed the role that Hampton was known for and in spite of the fact that a true nose tackle isn’t an every-down player and the Steelers’ defensive scheme has gone away from being a base 3-4 defense, the fans really haven’t appreciated McLendon’s efforts as much as they have for Heyward and Tuitt.

The Steelers signed Daniel McCullers in 2014 and he fits the physical description of what Hampton used to be for the team. So far McCullers’ size hasn’t translated into physical dominance on the field as he’s yet to get the techniques down to garner more playing time.

I could see the Steelers sticking with McLendon, knowing that he knows the defense and already contributes what is necessary for Heyward and Tuitt to do their thing. They can reinforce the depth on the line in the draft and with undrafted free agents.

Next: Cam Thomas

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