The Steelers hit the free agency ground running Thursday afternoon — running in place.
As the 4 p.m. start of the signing period began and other teams quickly swooped up free agents, the Steelers did too; they signed one of their own, tight end David Johnson, to a two-year contract.
Johnson, drafted by the Steelers in the seventh round in 2009, returned to them last season after leaving as a free agent and playing two seasons for the San Diego Chargers.
He is a versatile player who also can play some fullback and H-back. His forte is as a blocker.