September 16, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau (center) talks to the Steelers defensive backs on the sideline against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past several seasons, the Steelers defense has often been criticized for their old age. Yet each year they finish in the top 5 in overall defense. This offseason, the Steelers continued saying goodbye to their elder defenseman. Earlier on, they said goodbye to James Harrison, due to his large salary that they couldn’t afford. While they did not technically cut Casey Hampton, they sealed his fate when they signed Steve McLendon to a three-year deal a few weeks back.

The Steelers have been known to find young talent to supplant their elder defenseman, so here is the predicted Steelers defensive starters for the 2013 season.

McLendon, with his new contract in hand, is now presumably the next starter at NT for the Steelers 3-4 offense. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a rough offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers this go around, and there aren’t too many bright spots for Steeler fans to get excited over.  Even the signings that took place to retain players like Larry Foote left some of us feeling confused or at the very least rather neutral.  But, as of late Wednesday evening, Steeler fans can feel a little better about the state of the team going into the draft…. even if it is just a little.

You all should have felt a bit of a disturbance in The Force earlier on Wednesday when news broke out that Steelers backup (but soon to be starter) NT Steve McLendon when up to Green Bay and visited the Packers.  With Casey Hampton about the be permanently shelved and Alameda ‘Vice City’ Ta’amu still questionable with his off field behaviors, McLendon was (at least in my eyes) the heir apparent at the NT position.  Green Bay runs a 3-4 defense just like the Steelers, and what’s not to like about the Packers these days if you are a football player wanting to be on a playoff contending team?  There was a very strong chance McLendon could leave the Steelers for the land of Cheeseheads.

McLendon said farewell to Green Bay the same day and headed back to the ‘Burgh where he met with the Steelers.  Though it has not been reported, I would not doubt if Stevie got an offer from the Packers before he got on that plane.  The Steelers tendered McLendon before the start of free agency, so they at least had a chance to match any offer that came from another squad.  McLendon, as an UDRFA, was given the lowest tender allowed of $1.3 million.  So, if the Packers gave him an offer, it had to at least exceed the $1.3 million.  But, because McLendon was undrafted and given the lowest tender, they would have received nothing in compensation for letting him sign with the Packers.  The Steelers either had to match the offer or let him go.

The Steelers avoided the mistake that they made with Emmanuel Sanders and signed McLendon to a three year that’s worth a maximum of $7.25 million and includes a $1.675 million signing bonus.  That’s going to be roughly $2.5 million/year and will eat up some of that cap space that the Steelers will get once Willie Colon is off the books.  The deal makes things extra tricky come June and getting rookies signed, so I doubt they are done shifting around money and the roster.

This is a smart move by the team, and really the only move they could make.  There’s no way they were about to pay a heft price to re-sign Hampton – 35 years old and disintegrating legs – because they just lost their ‘next best thing.’  And, there’s no way they were about to leave the future of the 3-4 defense in the hands of a second year kid who can’t control his liquor and runs from the cops (thus not getting any regular season snaps in his rookie year).  McLendon was the only option, so the Steelers gave the 27 year old an offer he could not refuse – a long term contract, which translates into a starting job that is yours to lose.

Mike Wallace, gone.  Rashard Mendenhall, gone.  Keenan Lewis, gone.  James Harrison, gone.  Larry Foote, oddly retained. Willie Gay, bafflingly brought back.  (Excuse me while I go grab my Tums)

Steve McLendon, re-signed for 3 years.  Might just be the best move the Steelers make all offseason.  Wouldn’t be the first thing I would think of if you were to ask me what I thought the Steelers best move would be.  But, if he can step up and perform at the level Hampton did while in his prime, it very well might be the highlight of the Steelers free agency period in 2013.

McLendon will be back in Pittsburgh. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, the Packers made a shrewd and intelligent move and met with Pittsburgh’s RFA nose tackle Steve McLendon.  Since McLendon was signed to a UDFA RFA tender worth $1.323 million, Green Bay could have poached the soon to be 5th year nose tackle for almost nothing.

Thankfully, Colbert & Co. realized the limited depth the team had at nose tackle and inked the future starter to a 3-year deal earlier today.  Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the deal included the following:

Steelers gave DT Steve McLendon signed a 3-yr deal with max value of $7.25 mil, including $1.675 million guaranteed. $5 mil in first two yrs

I for one am happy the move was made, and it appears that McLendon is primed to take over the starting nose tackle duties as early as this season.  The Steelers need an injection of youth and athleticism along their defensive line, and McLendon has the physical tools to be a solid replacement for longtime veteran Casey Hampton.

The “future is now” in Pittsburgh, and it is nice to see that the former Troy Trojan will get an extended chance to prove himself over the duration of his brand new contract.

Oct 7, 2012; Pittsburgh , PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon (90) hits Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) as he fumbles the ball during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

According to Scout.com and Ravens Insider Aaron Wilson, Steve McLendon, a defensive lineman, visited the Green Bay Packers.  Now, the Steelers have the right to refuse to match the offer sheet, if one comes, but I wondered in McLendon’s absence would make a difference with as many holes as there are already to fill.

McLendon is a 6’4” 280 pound defensive tackle.  He’s been in the league for 3 years and 2012 is the first year he played in all 16 games; however, he didn’t start any of them.  During 2012 he had 4 solo tackles, with 7 combined, 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble.  McLendon was tendered at the lowest level, which suggests the Steelers think he wouldn’t be hard to replace if he left for a better offer.  I know that some thought that with consistent playing time, McLendon could be a better playmaker.  There are some rumors that if McLendon stays he could go to nose tackle to replace Casey Hampton.  Hampton’s numbers are a little better in the tackle department:  He started 16 games and had 11 solo tackles for a total of 26.  However, Hampton hasn’t had a sack since 2010.  At this point, if the Steelers want to retool the defense, I’m not sure either of these players makes a big difference.  Since the defense seemed to have such a rough season last year (even though they were ranked first), it is hard to decide if McLendon’s numbers are low because of reasons beyond his ability to play.

If McLendon leaves, what then?  Well, if you look at the defensive depth roster the Steelers have posted, there is no one listed at Nose Tackle.  They seem to have good depth at Cornerback and even the safeties look in better shape even though no one knows if Troy Polamalu will ever be able to play a full season again.  Don’t throw too many spears at me Polamalu faithful – It’s a legitimate concern.  So, can the Steelers find some help in the draft?  Maybe, but I’m sure they don’t want both NT’s to be rookies.  I also wonder what the Steelers have left to work with in salary.  I’m not convinced that letting McLendon go is the right move, but they lowballed his salary and if he can get something better with another team, you can’t be surprised that he walked away.  It’s a business and team loyalty only works when it is on both sides and that is rare.  You would have thought that there would have been some with Hines Ward or James Farrior, but there wasn’t room to spare anyone’s feelings when it came to business.  McLendon ranks much less on the totem pole; he hasn’t built a Steeler identity like Ward, Farrior, or even Harrison.  The fans won’t be upset if he goes, from an emotional standpoint.  However, I’m not convinced that the Steelers can afford to lose any more experience at this point or it will truly look like a rebuilding year.  I can’t say that McLendon is a lynchpin that the success of the season hangs on either.  I’m just beginning to wonder what the method to the madness is.  The frantic push to get under the salary cap seems to throw some other decisions, like managing veterans versus youth and experience versus fresh perspective, under the bus.

Since teams have until tomorrow to make offers to the unsigned Restricted Free Agents, I guess we will have a better idea where the holes are soon.  Something has not felt right about the moves the Steelers have made during this off season.  Maybe once I see how everything shakes out, I will be able to put my finger on it, but frankly I’m not terribly optimistic for a better than 500 season in 2013.

McLendon sacking Michael Vick. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday it was reported that backup nose tackle Steve McLendon visited with the Green Bay Packers.

A former Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) out of Troy in 2009, McLendon has developed into solid heir apparent to Casey Hampton at the nose tackle position over the last three years.  Unfortunately, the Packers could change all of Pittsburgh’s future plans if they decide to sign McLendon to a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) offer sheet before Friday’s (April 19th) deadline.

What makes this situation an even bigger “football to Hans Moleman’s groin” for “Steeler Nation” is the fact that Pittsburgh’s cap-strapped front office decided to only tender their nose tackle at a UDFA RFA level for $1.323 million!  Thus, if Green Bay shells out $1.323 million and Colbert & Co. cannot match the offer, Green Bay will obtain McLendon’s services for the 2013 season and not have to compensate the Steelers with a darn thing!

As it stands, Pittsburgh has limited cap space, and the Packers could easily lure McLendon away, and do it on the cheap.

On the other hand, I must give kudos however to Green Bay’s brass for this move though.  In fact, I will tip my cap to G.M. Ted Thompson & Co. for their due diligence in this situation.  McLendon could chip in on passing downs for B.J. Raji at nose tackle, and then provide some depth at defensive end.  It also does not hurt that Dom Capers is running the Packers’ defense, and his scheme has many similarities to the one Dick LeBeau runs in Pittsburgh.  Plus, 2nd year defensive end Jerel Worthy is coming off of an ACL injury, and a heady yet athletic veteran like McLendon could definitely help Green Bay’s depth in the trenches.

In addition, it might be in McLendon’s best interests to skip town.  Heck, he will probably see more playing time with the Packers even though he will remain a backup!  It was a shame to see McLendon’s athleticism go to waste in Pittsburgh, and I am sure that Capers will find better and more ways to utilize the athletic defensive than LeBeau did when he simply had him rot on the bench when the nose tackle could have benefited from extended reps.  I should also add that the Packers are more than likely to field a postseason-bound team next year, and it would probably benefit McLendon to escape the impending “dumpster fire” of a 2013 campaign with the Steelers.

The Packers would be stupid not to make the move and sign McLendon if they really want him.  Pittsburgh’s RFA’s are ripe for the plundering, and no compensation will be sent to “The Steel City” if Steve leaves.  Furthermore, because Pittsburgh’s front office made the moronic decision to re-up Emmanuel Sanders, their cap space is limited, and they might not be able to sign other RFA’s like Isaac Redman if they try to match whatever the Packers could offer McLendon.

But hey, a team needs a 1-year rental of a #3 wide receiver over a soon-to-be starting nose tackle during a rebuilding process, right?