By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
The Steelers hosted free safety Chris Crocker, a free agent from the Atlanta Falcons, at their practice facility on Thursday.
Crocker played for the Falcons the last two seasons where he recorded a career-high three interceptions last year and added 55 tackles and a sack.
"The visit was good," said Crocker. "They are looking for another veteran to come in here and add leadership. I am not the magic remedy. They already have a good team. They are just looking for another piece of the puzzle. I really enjoyed everything."
Crocker has already visited the Houston Texans and has visits scheduled with the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans. He was hoping, though, to not have to make those visits.
"Pittsburgh is intriguing to everyone because it's such a consistent team," said Crocker. "Things don't change. This has been a great organization for a long, long time. A lot of guys are looking for stability. They come here and play for a long time. It's a great town, great fans. There is nothing bad you can say about the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. The Rooney's do whatever they can to support their players and coaches."
Crocker's familiarity with the Steelers developed after he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round in 2003 and spent three seasons with them. He intercepted a Ben Roethlisberger pass in 2004 at Heinz Field and returned it 20 yards for his only NFL touchdown, but the Steelers managed to win the game 34-23.
"I would love to play in the AFC North and play Cleveland twice a year," said Crocker. "That would be special because that's where I started. It's funny because those same fans in Cleveland would boo me."
He is familiar with the Steelers defensive backfield and would love the opportunity to play alongside strong safety Troy Polamalu and is excited that he would be given a chance to compete for a starting job.
"That is definitely something they voiced to me," said Crocker. "They told me I would have a chance to start. It would still be a competition as always. The day you get in to this league is the day they try to kick you out. It's always about competing. The best guy will win."
Crocker is the fifth free agent to visit the Steelers since the signing period started and is hoping to be the second one that is signed.
"At this stage of my career it is best for me to go somewhere I can win," said Crocker. "This game isn't guaranteed. Tomorrow it could be over. I want to go somewhere I can win."
