Pittsburgh Steelers Sign Offensive Lineman to Free Agent Tender
![Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chris Hubbard (74) before a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chris Hubbard (74) before a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/StillCurtain-cover-662e639b88cd350bdaf0ddcf9aafaa77573995e0fa7caf4124d472ff87dc68a8.jpg)
The Pittsburgh Steelers added more depth to their offensive line after signing Chris Hubbard.
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Hubbard, who started four games for the Steelers in 2016, signed his free agent tender worth $1.797 million in 2017 according to Bryan DeArdo of 247.
The offensive lineman didn’t start a single game during his first three seasons in the NFL before getting his chance in four last season. With injuries to Ryan Harris and Cody Wallace, Hubbard stepped in to fill in when needed. Hubbard and fellow backup. B.J. Finney played well during their time. As Ben Roethlisberger was only sacked 17 times last season, every member of the line had reason to be proud.
Since 2014, Hubbard, the 6’4, 286-pound renaissance man played in 24 games for the Steelers. Filling in at all five offensive line spots, Hubbard has made his mark in Pittsburgh through being a reliable backup wherever needed.
#Steelers OL Chris Hubbard signs his restricted free agent tender https://t.co/FqLryaTa4K pic.twitter.com/BBJkd2byPV
— Simon Chester (@SimonAChester) April 7, 2017
Hubbard will return primarily as a backup for needed spots. Last season, he filled in for injured Marcus Gilbert as left tackle for the Steelers. If Pittsburgh needs him this year, he could fill in at any spot along the offensive line and add relief to the starters throughout the season.