Keyaron Fox was a pass-rushing linebacker at Georgia Tech who played both outside positions the past four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

But, after signing him to a one-year contract yesterday, the Steelers plan to use Fox (6-3, 235) as a backup inside linebacker -- a position with little depth -- and special teams performer.

Fox, a former third-round draft choice in 2004, received a $40,000 signing bonus and the veteran one-year minimum of $605,000 to join the Steelers.

He is the second unrestricted free agent to sign with the Steelers, joining former Minnesota Vikings running back/kick returner Mewelde Moore.

The Steelers continue to have discussions with offensive tackle Max Starks, an unrestricted free agent whom the team named as a "transition" player -- a tag that would force them to pay Starks the average of the league's top 10 offensive linemen, or $6.9 million, in 2008

Starks, a two-year starter at right tackle who lost his job to Willie Colon last season, has not received an offer from another NFL team in free agency. The Steelers have the right to match any offer Starks might receive because of the transition tag.

Despite having little room to maneuver under the salary cap, the Steelers signed Fox to provide depth at inside linebacker after they released veteran Clint Kriewaldt last month. The only other backup was Lawrence Timmons, last year's No. 1 pick who will be moved to inside linebacker to challenge Larry Foote for a starting spot.

Fox, 26, appeared in 40 games in four seasons with the Chiefs -- 10 last season -- starting only four. Last season, he finished with 21 tackles (19 solo), with 10 tackles (nine solo) coming in the season finale against the New York Jets.