The newest Steeler helps to fill the newest need in Pittsburgh. Cam Thomas has been signed on a two-year, $4 million deal the same week the Steelers' defensive line was depleted with the departures of Al Woods and Ziggy Hood.
Congratulations to #TeamDEC client @Baby_Zilla76 on signing a new 2 year contract with @steelers #getafterit
— David Canter (@davidcanter) March 14, 2014
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Thomas made 11 starts in 2013 for the Chargers and accounted for 26 tackles and 13 quarterback pressures. Thomas is 6'3" 330 pounds and is a true nose tackle. He can serve as either the starter, pushing Steve McClendon to a defensive end position opposite Cam Heyward, or as a reserve behind McClendon at nose tackle.
Thomas is more of a tradition 0-technique in the 3-4 than McClendon, who - as Neal Coolong noted - has the athleticism to kick outside to defensive end and possibly see the type of career takeoff Cam Heyward saw in 2013 rushing the gaps instead of eating inside blockers.
Regardless of how the full depth and starting lineup of the defensive line in Pittsburgh shakes out, Thomas is one of many moves the Steelers still have left between now and opening day in September. The Steelers could still look into signing former-Bills defensive end Alex Carrington who would add experience and depth to a revamped defensive front in Pittsburgh.