The Steelers were looking to add depth to their defensive backfield before OTAs started. They brought free agent safety Daimion Stafford in for a visit 10 days ago and told him they would sign him on one condition: He had to lose 10 pounds.
Stafford, who started six games for the Tennessee Titans last season, weighed in at close to 230 pounds on his visit. On Tuesday, after weighing in at 219 pounds, the Steelers signed Stafford, and he joined a crowded defensive backfield for the second week of OTAs.
Stafford will add depth behind starting strong safety Sean Davis, who isn’t doing much this spring after offseason shoulder surgery. Stafford will compete with veteran Robert Golden, a spot starter and ace special teams player.
That’s where Stafford found his niche in Tennessee. He played in 62 of a possible 64 game since getting drafted out of Nebraska in the seventh round of the 2013 draft. He started twice at safety in 2015 and then six times last season.
Stafford figured to generate some interest on the open market, but when he hit unrestricted free agency in March, there was little interest. The Titans made no effort to re-sign him and the only other visit he had was with Jacksonville.
It was a bit of a strange few months after playing an important role for a team that almost made the AFC playoffs as a wild card.
“I had mixed feelings,” Stafford said. “I thought I had a pretty good year last year. I can control what I control. I did what I did on the field. If one team didn’t love me, that’s just how it was. The Steelers are giving me a chance, and I’m here to make the best of it.”
Stafford likely will be competing against Golden for a roster spot. They are similar players. Golden was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and made the 53-man roster because of his play on special teams. He eventually became special teams captain and started 11 games at safety over the past two seasons, including eight last season.
Stafford could simply be insurance against Davis’ injured shoulder and competition for Golden, who is entering the second year of a three-year contract he signed last March.
The Steelers can use the added depth in the defensive backfield. Every-down inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons signed with Miami in March, and the coaches could employ a sixth defensive back more this season, meaning an extra safety or corner could be up for more playing time.
“I played a lot of dime last year in [Dick] LeBeau‘s defense,” Stafford said. “I’m ready to play wherever. I’m here to do my all and help this team.”
There shouldn’t be much of a transition for Stafford from the Titans defense to the Steelers. LeBeau went to the Titans in 2015 after serving for decades on the Steelers coaching staff. Stafford said there a few differences in the verbiage in the playbook, but “it’s pretty much the same defense.”
He’ll also have former Titans teammate Coty Sensabaugh to lean on. The Steelers signed Sensabaugh, a cornerback, in March.
“We’ll probably get together and do some extra studying,” Stafford said. “He’ll help me get up to speed. That’s really going to help me.”
After being jobless for more than two months, Stafford is happy to be back on an NFL roster. He is looking forward to competing for a spot this summer.
“They gave me a jersey. That’s an opportunity,” he said. “That’s all I needed. Once my foot is in the door, it’s on me. I have to make the best of it.”
Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: May 30, 2017, 6:17 p.m.