NFL Free Agency: Pittsburgh Steelers Sign Nose Tackle Cam Thomas
By Matt Gajtka
Dec 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Cam Thomas (92) reacts after a stop during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Forget any thoughts of Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork coming to the Pittsburgh Steelers. General manager Kevin Colbert had his man for the position all along.
As tweeted by player agent David Canter on Friday afternoon, former Chargers defensive lineman Cam Thomas has signed a two-year contract with the Steelers.
Thomas reportedly visited with Steelers management Thursday, and apparently that meeting set the wheels in motion for the 27-year-old to leave the team that drafted him in 2010.
At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, the former North Carolina Tar Heel certainly fits the mold of the typical NFL nose tackle, especially one who plays in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Although Thomas lost his first-string job late last season, he still started a career-high 10 contests and appeared in all 16 games for the third straight campaign.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette speculates that Thomas’ signing could mean the Steelers intend to bump incumbent nose tackle Steve McLendon to defensive end. Pittsburgh lost defensive linemen Ziggy Hood and Al Woods to free agency earlier this week.
Thomas has six career sacks in four seasons, but none in the past two. However, he won’t be asked to penetrate the backfield in the Steelers’ scheme; rather, Thomas will be tasked with clogging up the middle of the line and bolstering Pittsburgh’s rush defense.
The Steelers have yet to confirm the signing or release financial information as of 3 p.m. Friday.
Keep it here on City of Champions for more coverage of NFL free agency from a Pittsburgh perspective.