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An updated look at the Steelers safety depth chart

With Troy Polamalu officially retiring from the NFL, it is time to look at the team's depth chart at the safety position moving forward.

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

With legendary Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu announcing his retirement from the NFL, it is time to look at the team's depth chart at the safety position.

Someone has to be the next Steelers safety after Polamalu, and such a dubious honor falls on third year safety Shamarko Thomas. The unproven and untested safety will enter the 2015 season with the safety position his for the taking, or losing. Many fans aren't fond of Thomas due to his injury history, as well as his inability to step in for Polamalu in his absence as the team leaned towards veteran Will Allen in 2014.

Along side Polamalu in 2014 was Mike Mitchell, and Mitchell will be back in the Steelers' secondary next season. A nagging groin injury hindered Mitchell, and the lack of chemistry between the two safeties was noticeable as Mitchell's play improved with Allen in the lineup compared to the unpredictable Polamalu.

With Allen still a free agent, it leaves Jordan Dangerfield, Alden Darby, Robert Golden, Ross Ventrone, Ian Wild and Isaiah Lewis as the only other safeties on the Steelers' roster. A list which doesn't leave one beaming with confidence.

The Steelers will most likely look to add a safety in the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft, but the team will be feeling the effects of Polamalu's absence when the 2015 Steelers line up this Fall and No. 43 and his wild hair is nowhere to be found.