• Some of this is understandable.

It’s been close to a generation since free agent defections were a rite of spring for the Steelers. This isn’t to minimize 2 of your top five defensive lineman while a third (Brett Keisel) remains unsigned. That’s news.

• But it doesn’t quite compare to the spring of 1997 when the Steelers lost Deon Figures, Willie Williams and Rod Woodson — their top 3 cornerbacks — in a single spring.

And Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin are not sitting around ideally either. Alex Carrington of the Buffalo Bills visted with them on Thursday and Cam Thomastoday.

One Cam on the Defensive Line Isn’t Enough

While Carrington’s visit went well the Steelers apparently decided that one Cam (Cameron Heyward) on the defensive line isn’t enough, as they signed Camaron Thomasto a two year 4 million dollar contract.

Thomas is a big defensive lineman in the mold of Casey Hampton, weighing 330 pounds and standing 6’3”. For those of you who are into saber metrics, he graded out 49^th of 64 NFL defensive tackles according to Pro Football Focus. ESPN’s Bill Polian graded Thomas at a “D” while grading Al Woods at a “C” however, Thomas signed for 1 million less.

Some in the press have been quick to suggest that Thomas’ arrival might push Steve McLendon to defensive end, but Steelers Digest editor Bob Labriola pour cold water on that:

Mike Mitchell was signed by @Steelers to start. NT/DE Cam Thomas was signed to provide depth and versatility along D-line.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) March 14, 2014

It should be noted that Thomas started 11 games in 2013 only to be benched late in the season. While that’s obviously a concern , Thomas provides and immediate boost of depth.

Thanks for visiting. Click here for the rest of Steel Curtain Rising or here to see our Steelers 2014 Free Agent Focus.