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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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Cam Thomas, DE

Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) scrambles with the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cam Thomas (93) and inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) defend during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) scrambles with the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cam Thomas (93) and inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) defend during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Cam Thomas, where do we begin? The Steelers signed Thomas as an unrestricted free agent in March of 2014. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of North Carolina.

Thomas’s production for the Steelers has been about the same as Clifton Geathers’ has, with the exception that Thomas has been actually activated for regular season games. He made one start in 2015 against the Kansas City Chiefs for an injured Stephon Tuitt. He recorded a season-high four tackles.

Putting that in perspective he has 29 total tackles in his two seasons with the Steelers. Thomas was signed partly in the hopes that he could take that Casey Hampton-role as a nose tackle so that McLendon could be used on the outside but that didn’t really take off that way.

I was surprised when Thomas wasn’t cut last offseason and I’d be shocked if they offered a contract to him this offseason. Nothing against the man personally but he just hasn’t done anything to justify a roster spot let alone a contract.

The biggest question mark of the defensive line will be McLendon. I wouldn’t guess that he’d be more valuable for another team than he is with the Steelers so that would be a safe re-sign for the team. The signing wouldn’t negate the need to add depth to the line through the draft, however.

Next: Sean Spence

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