PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers have landed much-needed safety help with former Green Bay Packer Morgan Burnett signing a three-year, $14.5 million contract with the team on Tuesday.
"They have a tradition of winning. Coming from Green Bay it was the same tradition," Burnett said. "For those guys to be interested in me, and want me here, you can't turn nothing like that down. You talk about the Pittsburgh Steelers, a very proud city, a proud town, great players. I wanted to be a part of it and try to earn the respect of my teammates and be accountable to my teammates."
Pittsburgh's release of Mike Mitchell created a need for a steady starter who will handle communication for the defensive backfield.
Burnett, 29, was one of the best safeties on the free-agency market. He pairs with cornerback Joe Haden to give the Steelers valuable experience in pass coverage.
Burnett has played everywhere from safety to slot cornerback to inside linebacker during his eight seasons, but he's never been one to make a ton of splash plays and has just nine career interceptions.
The third-round pick in the 2010 draft started 102 games for Green Bay, but he hasn't played a full season since 2012, after which he signed a four-year, $24.75 million deal.
Last season was no different, as Burnett missed four games because of two separate injuries (hamstring and groin). The Steelers, who covet versatility, hope that Burnett's nagging past injuries won't affect his 2018 performance.
ESPN's Robert Demovsky contributed to this report.
