The Pittsburgh Steelers might have gained Ryan Harris and Ladarius Green in the free agency, but the team just lost two important players.
The team lost offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum and nose tackle Steve McLendon to two different teams in the free agency on Tuesday. The team lost Beachum to the Jacksonville Jaguars and McLendon to the New York Jets.
The departure of Beachum wasn’t a shock to many, as the Steelers signed Harris on Tuesday to replace him. The team also expressed interest in offensive lineman Russell Okung, who has yet to sign with any NFL team yet. He still has meetings with various teams, and even could get an offer from the Seattle Seahawks, where he’s spent the past six seasons with.
The departure of McLendon did come at a surprise. McLendon, who spent all six of his NFL seasons with the Steelers, started nine games last season, but appeared in 16 games. He finished off the season with 14 tackles and a single sack. McLendon’s new offensive line teammates include Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams.
The Steelers only other nose tackle on their roster is Daniel McCullers. He’s spent the past two seasons with the Steelers and starred in 12 games last season, but didn’t start any. He recorded eight total tackles, with four being solo and four being assisted. He has an assisted sack in Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Steelers could find another nose tackle in free agency or opt to draft a nose tackle in the 2016 NFL Draft.
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