Steelers, Ladarius Green agree to four-year contract

On a day where many expected the Pittsburgh Steelers to heavily target former San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle, the organization instead signed one of his old teammates.

Just like the Steelers did last season when they focused on one prime free agent candidate in DeAngelo Williams, the organization made Ladarius Green their center of attention while social media patiently awaited any news that a safety would be signed to the Steelers’ roster.

Instead, Pittsburgh invested in the tight end position for the next four years. Green was signed to a four-year, $20 million contract with a $4.75 million signing bonus. With Jesse James and Matt Spaeth also on the roster, the tight end position is now longer a priority in the draft, so those who were expecting Hunter Henry in the first round will be disappointed.

Green comes from a great pedigree after being under tutelage of future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates for the first four years of his career. The 6’6″, 237 lbs tight end has the ability to play like an over sized wide receiver, but also hold his own in blocking situations. When looking for an heir apparent to Heath Miller, his physicality and skill set is one that is valued by a team that relies heavily on the position such as Pittsburgh.

San Diego’s desire to sign Gates to a two-year contract extension and have him finish his career in California is most likely one of the main reasons for Green’s departure. The Chargers loss is the Steelers gain with a tight end that will most certainly be a day one starter. Pittsburgh’s new acquisition made 26 starts in a span of 47 games for the Chargers.

The news of Green’s signing comes as a disappointment to those who view Jesse James as the future number one tight end in Pittsburgh. With Matt Spaeth turning thirty-two in 2016 and entering a contract year, his days on the team are certainly numbered. If the Steelers do not make additions to their secondary in free agency, this allows them to bring in a multitude of defensive backs via the draft.

Next: Steelers keep offensive line in tact

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not a team known to make flashy selections through free agency, but adding a young, proven tight end to their depth chart gives quarterback Ben Roethlisberger yet another weapon to utilize as the team makes another strong push to add a seventh Lombardi trophy to their collection.