Steelers add a former Pitt defensive back to their 90-man roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to shape their 90-man roster throughout training camp. On Friday, the Steelers announced they have signed journeyman defensive back Lafayette Pitts.

Pitts went undrafted out of the University of Pittsburgh in 2016 and signed with the Miami Dolphins. Failing to make the 53-man roster, Pitts landed on the Dolphins’ practice squad and was activated mid season. Pitts appeared in eight games in 2016 and played 166 special teams snaps. After failing to make the team again in 2017, the Jacksonville Jaguars claimed Pitts off waivers where he played in six games. After being released by the Jaguars, the Bills claimed Pitts off waivers where he appeared in their final 10 games of the season as well as every game in 2018.

Failing to make the Bill’s squad in 2019, Pitts was out of the NFL until he signed a Reserve/Future contract with the Indianapolis Colts following the 2019 season. When Pitts did not make the team in Indianapolis, he spent the 2020 season on and off the Buffalo Bills practice squad.

In his NFL career, Pitts has 21 tackles. During his full season with the Buffalo Bills in 2018, Pitts was targeted five times and gave up three completions for a total of 31 yards according to Pro Football Reference.

After the Steelers put both Markus Acy and Anthony Coyle on the Waived/Injured List last week, they have two open spots on their 90-man roster. Therefore, the addition of Pitts did not require a corresponding roster move and Steelers still have the ability to add another player.

Stay tuned to Behind The Steel Curtain for continued breakdown of the Steelers’ Hall of Fame Game and as they begin preparation to face the Philadelphia Eagles next Thursday in Week 1 of the NFL preseason.