Another Pittsburgh Steelers unrestricted free agent is receiving attention during the early stages of the signing period and this time it’s linebacker Sean Spence.
According to Pro Football Talk, Spence, who was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, will meet with the Miami Dolphins Friday night.
Spence is a Florida-lifer, born in Miami and attending college with the Hurricanes, so the interest in returning home should be no surprise. The Dolphins have transitioned to a 4-3 defense and traded for Kiko Alonso, though the team is weak at both outside linebacker spots. Spence is likely not guaranteed a starting gig but couple compete to play WILL linebacker.
The Steelers currently only have three inside linebackers with substantial experience on their roster. Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Shazier, and Vince Williams. They also have L.J. Fort, who had a late-season call-up, and Jordan Zumwalt, the team’s 6th round draft pick in 2014. If they lose both, it’s a position the team will need to re-invest in.
Spence missed the first two seasons in the league due to a serious knee injury that he suffered in the Steelers final preseason game of his rookie season.
Last season, Spence saw a fair amount of playing time due to fellow inside linebacker Shazier being forced to miss time due to injuries.
