Steelers sign Ross Cockrell to 1-year extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed cornerback Ross Cockrell to a one-year contract extension Friday.

Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Cockrell recorded 44 tackles and two interceptions in 15 games for the Steelers.

"Playing for the Steelers means you are somebody who is striving for greatness. You want your team, your city, this organization to be more," Cockrell said, according to the team's official website. "That is what you get from everybody. You feel like you represent more than just yourself."

Cockrell was signed five days before the team's season opener against the New England Patriots after being released by the Buffalo Bills.

"This was very important," Cockrell said of returning to the Steelers. "I feel like we had a tremendous season. It didn't end the way we wanted. But for me, everybody got to know me and I got to know everybody. Everything just happened so fast. It's important for me to have this offseason to get to know people better, grow as a football player and person."

Cockrell was slated to become an exclusive-rights free agent, where he would've been signed to the league's minimum salary.