Last year when NFL free agency rolled around, linebacker Arthur Moats found himself with a new team, signing a one-year deal with the Steelers after spending the previous four seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

"It was mixed emotions when I left," said Moats. "A change of scenery was good for my career. If I never left, I wouldn't have had the chance to experience what I did here. It's been a great year for me and my family."

This year Moats is hoping he doesn't have to go looking for a new team again.

Moats will become a free agent on March 10 when the NFL free agency period begins. But he is hoping that he remains right where he is, with a team and organization that he couldn't be happier playing for.

"I love this organization," said Moats, who believes there is mutual interest to keep him in Pittsburgh. "Even though I was only here for one year, from top to bottom it's been a great experience.

"I think it's the guys that are here. It's a family run type of organization, you feel the love. They show that they care about you. Even when they are pushing you, and you are tired, you know they are doing it because they care about you and just want to get the best out of you.

"I would love to get something done sooner rather than later here. I love it here, my family loves it here."

Moats said he has talked to teammates who played for other teams and came to Pittsburgh and fell in love with the organization. He's heard the stories from players like William Gay, Matt Spaeth, and Will Allen, who left the Steelers to go elsewhere and jumped at the opportunity to come back to the Steelers. That's why he is hoping to just stay put.

"What they say is there is nothing like this organization from top to bottom, the way the organization is run," said Moats. "Talking to guys, they say when you go to other places it has some pros, but it's never going to feel like it does here."

During his four years in Buffalo, Moats had two head coaches, two defensive coordinators and two general managers, while the Bills went 22-42. His first year in Pittsburgh he immediately felt a difference.

"Coming here, from the time you step in the door it just feels right," said Moats. "It's because of the people they have here, the players, the coaches, and the staff. I just feel like it makes you more comfortable with the people here in the organization. Everyone here is positive.

"At the same time there is an expectation here. You don't want to be somewhere where winning four, five, six games a year is acceptable. You want to go where they feel like it's Super Bowl or nothing. That is the feeling here and that is part of why guys like it so much."