PITTSBURGH -- The changes that are likely to follow after defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's leaves could provide the opportunity that has been elusive for Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Shamarko Thomas.

Thomas,who just completed his second NFL season, has not played significant snaps on defense since sustaining a high-ankle sprain in the ninth game of his rookie season.

And it is time for the Steelers to see what they have in Thomas, for whom they essentially traded a third-round draft pick a couple of years ago.

"I'm looking for any opportunity I can seize," said Thomas, who missed five games this season with separate hamstring injuries. "I know that I am capable. I work hard, I prepare like a professional. It's just when they call my name I have to be ready."

If the Steelers don't call it next season then it will be time to seriously question their decision to trade a 2014 third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns so they could get an extra selection in the fourth round of the 2013 draft and take Thomas.

The 5-foot-9, 217-pounder ended this season as a special-teams player but Thomas has an opportunity to make a move in 2015 given the Steelers' uncertainty at safety.

Will Allen, who played ahead of Thomas as the No. 3 safety this season, will be an unrestricted agent unless the Steelers sign the 11th-year veteran before March 10. Starting strong safety Troy Polamalu may not return for a 13th NFL season.

The eight-time Pro Bowler has two years left on his contract but he may no longer be in Pittsburgh's plans -- with signs pointing to the Steelers going all the way as far as getting younger on defense.

That reality left Thomas in a bit of an awkward situation last week as the Syracuse product cleaned out his locker -- and was asked what the departure of Polamalu would mean for his playing prospects in 2015.

"No comment," Thomas said. "That's my mentor."

Polamalu has been more than that to him.

Thomas traveled to California last July to train with Polamalu before the start of training camp and he often talks about how much the latter has taught him about becoming a better professional and a better man.

That Polamalu saw enough in Thomas to take him on as a protégé may be the biggest to think that all the speedy Thomas needs is a chance to show he can play at this level.

"All I can do is work hard," Thomas said. "At the end of the day it's up to the coaches."