Why are Green Bay Packers Interested in Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steve McLendon?

Who is Steve McLendon and why are the Packers visiting with him?

Despite playing just 139 snaps during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2012 season, young defensive lineman Steve McLendon earned a reputation as being one of the team’s most exciting young players. Despite the excitement amongst the franchise’s fans, the coaches on the sidelines never really bought into McLendon.

Some wondered if they were trying to sneak McLendon through restricted free agency this year, but that notion was dispelled as soon as the team gave him the lowest possible tender. Because McLendon was undrafted in 2009, he won’t cost any potential new suitor a draft pick.

Of course, the fact that the Steelers are so comfortable with the idea of losing McLendon and didn’t use him while he was around should mean that no other team would have an interest in signing him to a sheet. At least, that’s the logical take. However, there has been little logic to the Steelers’ off-season so far this year.

The perception of McLendon is off somewhat. He is very talented, but he is not all that young. Even though he has only been in the league for three years and started just one game during that span, McLendon turned 27 in January of this year. Still, presuming he is ready to play and has developed under the guidance of the Steelers’ coaching staff, he should be able to at least contribute this coming season.