Yesterday we took a look at some of the key free agents on offense heading into the offseason. Now we will focus on the defense and what might be on the horizon once the free agent signing frenzy begins.
Let’s take a closer look.
Steve McLendon (DL)- Much like Ramon Foster on the other side of the ball, McLendon has quietly been an important cog for the Steelers defense. Given the unenviable task of taking over for Casey Hampton at nose tackle, McLendon has contributed to a Steelers run defense that has been among the league’s best.
The problem now is two-fold. For one, McLendon is now 30 and likely heading into the stretch run of his career. Two, based on scheme, McLendon is simply not seeing the field as regularly.
That does not mean at the right price McLendon could not still contribute. The Steelers don’t have a ton of depth on the defensive line and you could do far worse than McLendon if you are looking for an experienced veteran.
Cam Thomas (DL)- Let’s keep it brief. Thomas will not be back after his two disappointing seasons in Pittsburgh
William Gay (CB)- One of the few remaining players from the last Super Bowl winning team, the 31-year old Gay has been a rock for an otherwise shaky secondary. With so many issues at the cornerback position the past few seasons, Gay has been steady. Despite of being better as a slot corner, he’s stepped up and played on the outside.
With Antwon Blake and Brandon Boykin set to hit free agency and a lot of questions with the returning group of corners, the Steelers may decide to bring back Gay as a steady veteran who can still play at relatively hight level while also helping the youngsters develop.
Robert Golden (S)- As the special teams captain the past two seasons, Golden has grown a reputation for his outstanding work in the third phase. What the Steelers found out this season is Golden is a relatively trustworthy reserve at safety who can play either safety position.
It might come down to choosing between Golden or Shamarko Thomas in the end. If that’s the case, don’t be surprised if Golden is brought back.
Will Allen (S)- The 33-year old safety has been another strong special teams player, but when pressed into starting duty at strong safety, Allen was exposed often. It might be the end of the line for the former Ohio State Buckeye.
Antwon Blake (CB)- It’s fair to say that no player on either side of the ball was more roundly criticized by Steeler Nation than Blake. When Blake was not getting burned in the passing game, he was routinely missing tackles. It really was a nightmare of a season for Blake, and though the Steelers seem to like him as a player, did his awful year simply do too much damage?
At this point it might be a good idea for both parties to move on. However, don’t be shocked if he gets brought back on a cheap one year deal.
Brandon Boykin (CB)- Boykin can thank Blake for being viewed as the savior on the sidelines. That’s because even though Boykin could not do enough to supplant Blake, Steelers fans clamored for the slot corner to get more playing time.
There was a reason Boykin struggled to get on the field. He’s lived off one season where he intercepted some passes and has done very little since. Somewhere Chip Kelly is still getting a good chuckle for dumping him to the Steelers for a pick.
Don’t expect the Steelers to seriously pursue Boykin.
Sean Spence (LB)- How can you not be a fan of Spence? After a devastating leg injury put his career in jeopardy, Spence fought back in a way that would have made Rocky Bleier proud. Spence has since been an outstanding special teams player and part of a rotation with Vince Williams filling in for the oft-injured Ryan Shazier.
Making a decision on Spence might be as tough as any the Steelers have to make on defense. Unfortunately with Williams still under contract and fellow free agent Terrence Garvin a potentially cheaper option, it might end up being a numbers game with Spence.
If Spence does go elsewhere, some team is going to get a very solid linebacker and the Steelers will feel the loss for sure.
Photo credit: Steelers.com
