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Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert confirms Cam Thomas was signed to play defensive end

Thomas received a contract roughly on the same level as what Tennessee gave Al Woods. The Steelers made Woods an offer presumably to start at defensive end.

By Neal Coolong

Perhaps the scenery isn't the only thing changing for newly signed Steelers defensive lineman Cam Thomas.

Steelers general manager told Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac the team signed him to play defensive end.

If it doesn't mean he won't get looks at nose tackle as well, it basically means the team sees him as the 2014 version of Al Woods - a versatile swing lineman who could potentially hold down a starting defensive end role while being prepared to back up assumed starting nose tackle Steve McLendon.

Depth along the defensive line is still an issue for the Steelers, having only replaced one of two defensive ends, and lacking another reserve nose tackle.

Some would say they Thomas is the purest nose tackle on the roster. He caught something of a reputation for a lack of effort while in San Diego, losing the starting job in 2013 he earned in training camp.

The Steelers don't currently have any experienced depth behind Cam Heyward, the only certain starting defensive end currently on the roster. The Steelers sniffed around free agent Alex Carrington, but talks broke off and have not reportedly resumed since he left Pittsburgh two weeks ago. He is still unsigned.

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