The Steelers don’t know whether outside linebackers Jason Worilds, James Harrison or Arthur Moats will be back with the team in 2015 and they’re already at work making sure they have options in the event that none of the veterans return.
Former CFLer Shawn Lemon posted a picture of himself in a Steelers shirt with a signed contract in front of him after working out for the team last week. Lemon played defensive end for the Calgary Stampeders, but his 6-2, 250-pound frame is likely better suited for an outside linebacker spot in the Pittsburgh defense.
Lemon, who went undrafted out of Akron in 2011, had 13 sacks and tied a CFL record with eight forced fumbles during the 2014 season and the Steelers will be hoping that his playmaking will translate to this side of the border. Most CFL players are barred from signing with NFL teams until February 10, but Calgary General Manager John Hufnagel agreed to release Lemon now to allow him to sign in Pittsburgh.
“Shawn has an agreement in place with an NFL club and we are granting him his release in order to allow him to sign a contract immediately rather than waiting until February,” Hufnagel said via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Lemon’s arrival isn’t likely to be the last move the Steelers make on the edge as they try to boost their pass rush above the mediocre results they got in 2014.