Mike McCarthy and the Pittsburgh Steelers added another player who participated in the team’s rookie minicamp this spring — cornerback Tamon Lynum.
Pittsburgh announced signing Lynum to a contract after the team’s first organized offseason workout Monday.
“The Steelers signed undrafted free agent defensive back Tamon Lynum,” wrote Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley. “Lynum, who took part in the Steelers rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, played at the University of Pittsburgh.”
Before playing at Pitt, Lynum spent four seasons with Nebraska. In six college campaigns, he posted 71 combined tackles, including three tackles for loss. Lynum also had eight pass defenses, two interceptions and two sacks.
As a senior last season, he registered 21 combined tackles, one pass defense and one interception for Pitt.
Lynum is the second tryout player from rookie minicamp the Steelers signed to their roster this month. The first was Michigan national champion center Greg Crippen.
Mike McCarthy, Steelers Sign DB Tamon Lynum
By just making the Steelers offseason roster, Lynum joined an exclusive group. From May 8-10, 12 players tried out at Steelers rookie minicamp. He was just the second to land a contract.
The defensive back will bring extensive college experience to the Steelers. Lynum played four years at Nebraska and two with Pitt. Overall, he appeared in 46 college games.
For the Pitt Panthers, Lynum registered 47 combined tackles with eight pass defenses in 23 contests. He also had two interceptions, two tackles for loss and a sack.
Lynum should jump right into the fire for the Steelers. The team held its first OTA practice Monday. The Steelers don’t have practice Tuesday but will be back on the field Wednesday and Thursday.
The team will hold six more voluntary offseason workouts from May 26-June 12. Steelers mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 2-4.
Steelers Secondary Depth at Offseason Workouts
Lynum stood out enough at rookie minicamp to get more time with the Steelers. That’s a major accomplishment.
But the defensive back now faces the difficult task of making the team’s roster this summer.
The Steelers upgraded their secondary in both free agency and the draft. First, the team added projected starters — cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Jaquan Brisker — in NFL free agency. Then in the draft, the Steelers selected cornerback Daylen Everette during the third round and safety Robert Spears-Jennings late on Day 3.
Dean should start opposite Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback. In addition to Everette, the Steelers have Asante Samuel Jr., Donte Kent and Doneiko Slaughter for depth at outside cornerback.
Lynum will likely compete with Kent and Slaughter for opportunities. To make the roster, though, Lynum might have to outperform a veteran such as Samuel.
The Steelers also have cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols, D’Shawn Jamison and undrafted free agent Devan Boykin. Those cornerbacks, though, should focus on playing in the slot.
This fall, Ramsey could start at safety then slid into the nickel cornerback role with five defensive backs on the field. Brisker or DeShon Elliott may start at safety with Ramsey, but all three should be on the field together a lot.
It will be interesting to see how Lynum begins to fit in on Wednesday.
Steelers Sign Former Pitt DB After 1st Day of Offseason Workouts