Pittsburgh Steelers Hosted Former Detroit Lions Safety Louis Delmas

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of work to do this offseason and are getting a jump on things by looking at the safety position.

The Steelers hosted former Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas on Monday, as they will get the first shot to sign the fifth-year pro who was released by his old team last week.

Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas (26) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Due to the fact that his contract was terminated, Delmas can sign with any team, at any time. Delmas was a second round pick in 2009 out of Western Michigan.

The Lions parted ways with the 26-year-old safety after he started all 16 games last season and intercepted three passes while recording a pair of sacks. Detroit released Delmas and wide receiver Nate Burleson last Thursday in moves that created flexibility under the salary cap. Delmas, known as a big hitter, had signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract prior to last season.

The Steelers have to get younger in the secondary. Ryan Clark is all but assured of not being brought back and the Steelers face a decision regarding Troy Polamalu as well, although it is assumed that Polamalu will be brought back.

Delmas is still in his prime and Pro Football Focus ranked him as the No. 26 safety out of 86 in 2013. However, he has a history of knee problems in his career as he missed 13 combined games in 2011 and 2012.

The Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons also reportedly have shown interest in Delmas, while the Lions also could take him back at a reduced rate.

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