It wasn't long ago that linebacker Arthur Moats flatly stated, "I love this organization," when the soon to be unrestricted free agent talked about wanting to stay with the Steelers.
And on Monday, Moats love affair with the team continued when he agreed to terms on a three-year contract before the start of free agency.
With a smile that went from ear-to-ear, Moats once again talked glowingly about the team.
"Once you come in this organization and you are around the guys, you build lifelong relationships and that is what you want," said Moats. "I haven't felt like that since college. For me to have that here is good and I am so happy I get to continue that.
"The family feel of it, from the top of the organization to everyone within the organization. It's a brotherhood among the guys and these are the guys you want to go to war with.
"Everything was able to get worked out this morning and I'm thrilled I am staying."
Moats spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, but signed a one-year deal with the Steelers during free agency last year.
During his four years in Buffalo, Moats had two head coaches, two defensive coordinators and two general managers, while the Bills went 22-42. One of the things he loves about staying with the Steelers is the consistency, with Keith Butler being promoted to defensive coordinator and Joey Porter, now coaching the outside linebackers after working as a defensive assistant last year and helping Moats with his transition to the team.
"It's important for my career that I am able to get some stability scheme-wise," said Moats. "It's great to have that. If you feel comfortable with someone, you are willing to go that extra mile for them because you trust their opinion, you trust their judgment. That was the situation here."
Moats is coming off a strong season that included a career-high four sacks, two forced fumbles and 23 tackles in 10 starts. Other teams already started to show an interest in him during the three-day negotiating period that is allowed by the league, but his goal all along was to stay with the Steelers and continue to see the defense grow.
"I love where we are defensively," said Moats. "That was a big part of me staying, I feel that we have a lot of pieces in place and with me coming back that helps us out that much more, shoring up the positions and I am excited about it."
