Colts Sign former Steelers DB Sean Davis to Practice Squad

Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Sean Davis has been signed to the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad, the team announced on Wednesday.

Davis, who was a second-round pick of the Steelers in the 2016 NFL Draft, was released by the Colts on Monday.

He had signed with the Colts this offseason after his contract was not renewed in Pittsburgh.

It’s the second straight offseason that Davis his signed away from Pittsburgh, only to not make the 53-man roster with his new club. In 2020, Davis signed with Washington at the start of free agency, only to be released and re-sign in Pittsburgh. In fact, the Steelers earned a compensatory draft pick for Davis that year.

A 6-foot-1, 202-pound defensive back, Davis moved around a good bit in his time at Pittsburgh, playing both strong safety and slot corner before settling in at free safety. In five seasons, he’s played in 64 games and made 21 starts. A 2019 injury to Davis caused the Steelers to trade for Fitzpatrick, and he lost his starting job at that point.

Last season, Davis made one start, played in all 16 games, and finished with 12 tackles, a pass defended and a fumble recovery.

The Steelers did little to replace him on the depth chart after his departure this spring. Seventh-round pick Tre Norwood has been the primary backup to Minkah Fitzpatrick throughout training camp at free safety.

Rookie free agent Donovan Stiner made the Steelers’ practice squad as a third player at the position and cornerbacks Arthur Maulet and Cam Sutton can also play there if needed.