Steelers sign running back Knile Davis

The Steelers added depth at running back when they signed free agent Knile Davis to a one-year deal on Monday.Davis, the Kansas City Chiefs third-round draft pick in 2013, has played in 57 games in his four season, including two with the Green Bay Packers in 2016. “It’s a wonderful situation,” said Davis of signing with the team. “You have a good running back, a good coaching staff, good offensive scheme and good special teams. I think it’s a good place for me. “I felt like with (Coach) Mike Tomlin and what he is doing around here, the success that they have had, and they are looking good. I think I can help out.” He has 250 carries for 805 yards, a 3.2-yard average, and 11 touchdowns in his four seasons. He also has 34 receptions for 271 yards and a one touchdown.Davis was utilized in the kickoff return game for the Chiefs, and in the 2015 AFC Wild Card game he returned the opening kickoff 106 yards for a touchdown against the Houston Texans. He also had a 108-yard kickoff return against the Denver Broncos in 2013. He has returned 73 kickoffs for 1,960 yards, a 26.8-yard average, and two kickoff returns for touchdowns. Davis had a 109-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Steelers in the 2013 preseason. “I have done well in the past with kickoff returns,” said Davis. “I feel like I can help the Steelers out. That’s going to be a big role for me.” The 2016 season was an interesting one for Davis. He was traded to the Packers on Oct. 18, 2016, playing in two games with five carries for five yards. He was then waived, claimed off of waivers by the New York Jets, who waived him the same day, and then eventually claimed by the Chiefs and returned to Kansas City. “It was a little shuffling around last year,” said Davis. “It shows you how the NFL is. It’s a business. Nothing personal. You have to find a way to get through it and I did.” Davis said he is looking forward to working with Le'Veon Bell, a player he has learned from just by observing and respects. “I know Le’Veon. Great guy,” said Davis. “Awesome football player. I think he has done a lot of good for the league. He has changed the way the position has been played with his footwork and patience. There is a lot I can learn from him, a lot that I have learned from him just by watching him. I think he is one of the best backs in the league. He is unique. He is different. His attention to detail, you can tell he watches film. It’s going to be fun working with him.”

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Steelers sign running back Knile Davis