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4 defensive tackles the Steelers could trade for after losing Stephon Tuitt

By Tommy Jaggi

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 24: Quinnen Williams #95 of the New York Jets talks with Steve McLendon #99 at the bench during their preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on August 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 24: Quinnen Williams #95 of the New York Jets talks with Steve McLendon #99 at the bench during their preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on August 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Steve McLendon #99 of the New York Jets sacks Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Steve McLendon #99 of the New York Jets sacks Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Steve McLendon

New York Jets

The Steelers could seek out a familiar face to help them with the lack of depth on the defensive line. Steve McLendon spent the first six years of his career with Pittsburgh and spent time alongside both Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt.

Though McLendon wasn’t an overly productive player during his time with the Steelers, he eventually started 31 games from 2013 to 2015.

Steve McLendon has had some quality seasons with the New York Jets. His best year came back in 2017, where he posted an 81.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, and he garnered 14 starts.

Since that time, McLendon has had two straight seasons with a grade eclipsing 76.0 overall. He is a run-stuffing specialist who has scheme and positional flexibility.

It also helps that Steve McLendon used to play for Pittsburgh, and the Steelers still run a defense that is similar to the one he was used to during his time in black and yellow.

McLendon is in a contract year, and he has a very reasonable $2.75 million cap hit. The Jets are a team going nowhere fast. The defensive tackle is 33 years old, but he would be a cheap option for the Steelers that would help fill Stephon Tuitt’s shoes.

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