The Steelers re-signed safety Karl Joseph on Thursday, perhaps covering their bases in case they aren't able to sign another veteran safety in free agency.
Joseph, 28, spent all of last season on the Steelers' practice squad, being activated for just two games. He had two tackles and one pass defensed in his limited action. The NFL allowed for expanded practice squads the past two seasons, allowing teams to stash veteran players in case COVID-19 struck.
But the former first-round pick of the Raiders in 2016 out of West Virginia has plenty of starting experience in the NFL. He's made 49 career starts in 65 games.
Joseph spent the first four seasons of his career with the Raiders before joining the Browns in 2020. He has 305 career tackles, three sacks and five interceptions.
GM Kevin Colbert said earlier this week at the NFL meetings in West Palm Beach, Fla., the Steelers had 24 of their 25 starting positions filled with at least someone who has been a starter in their NFL career. Joseph would check that box for the Steelers at strong safety.
The Steelers still could sign another veteran player at the spot. And Terrell Edmunds, their starting strong safety the previous four seasons, remains an unrestricted free agent.
The team also has reportedly shown some interest in former Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu, but Mathieu is more of a free safety/nickel corner than he is a strong safety.
The Steelers also officially announced the signing of linebacker Genard Avery after agreeing to a one-year deal with him earlier this week.
