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Steelers sign CB DeMarcus Van Dyke

In a move that could be indicative of bolstering depth at safety or possibly filling in for recently deactivated cornerback Curtis Brown, Van Dyke rejoins the Steelers after having been released with an injury in training camp.

By Neal Coolong
Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Gerry Dulac of the Post-Gazette tweeted Tuesday the Steelers have re-signed defensive back DeMarcus Van Dyke, in an effort to add some speed into their secondary.

Van Dyke was waived with an injury during training camp, unable to get past a hamstring issue that held him out of nearly all of the preseason.

Van Dyke was often listed as a cornerback, but he's gotten work as a free safety with the Steelers. The poor play of the Steelers' safeties in a 55-31 loss at New England bolsters the notion he'll get a look in that role, as opposed to cornerback, as he was drafted by Oakland in 2011.

However, considering cornerback Curtis Brown missed practice all last week, and has been deactivated from the last two games, added in with the fact Van Dyke served as an effective punt gunner for some of last year, the move could be the first step toward a release of Brown. Brown's absence was explained as being for personal reasons.

If nothing else, Van Dyke seems happy about the move.

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