PITTSBURGH - Free agent safety Mike Logan signed a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are trying to shore up their unsteady secondary after their most disappointing season in coach Bill Cowher's 12 years.

"It came down to not being about money for me. What I might have lost in monetary value, I'm going to gain back in love. It's just priceless for me to be able to be home and be a part of my family's life," said Logan, 29, a McKeesport native, signed as a free agent from Jacksonville in 2001.

Logan started at strong safety last season, replacing Lee Flowers, who was criticized as too slow and too often a target for quarterbacks, especially in man-to-man coverage.

The Steelers will likely move him to free safety, replacing Brent Alexander and pairing him with first-round draft pick Troy Polamalu, who saw limited playing time last season.

"I think that's a good fit," said Logan. "I always said I think Troy has the potential to be great. With his work ethic and his determination and character and with the way I do things, I think it can be a very productive secondary."

The Steelers should hope so.

The secondary was a quarterback's best friend for a second straight season. Ranked fourth in the league two seasons ago, the Steelers secondary was ranked 11th in total yardage last season - an improvement from 20th the year before - but the team was in the bottom half of the league for passing touchdowns (17th) and third-down defense (23rd).

The Steelers released former starting cornerback Dewayne Washington and will likely try to trade free safety Brent Alexander before cutting him and his $950,000 salary under the cap.