The timing is both convenient and familiar as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, but Steelers safety Shamarko Thomas has vowed to be a factor for the Steelers in 2016.
After two seasons playing mostly on special teams and seeing the front office bring in players to play ahead of him, Thomas said he had “some angry moments” when he didn’t win a starting job before last season, and that his disappointment and struggles affected his appetite, his ability to sleep and his attitude.
“Definitely after a year like that, you want to come out here and make plays,” Thomas told ESPN. “Pay attention to detail. Have fun out here like I used to.”
The Steelers traded up in the fourth round in 2013 to select Thomas. He’s made just two career starts, both in his rookie season, but said he doesn’t believe the team has given up on him because coach Mike Tomlin continues to stress the importance of Thomas doing “the little things” the right way.
Earlier this month, Steelers secondary coach Carnell Lake told reporters Thomas “is improving from the neck up” and “growing and developing a player.”
