The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a major piece of their offense this offseason when veteran tight end Heath Miller decided to call it a career and retire after 11 seasons with one franchise.
The Steelers tight end was a consistent playmaker for Pittsburgh over the years, and he was not only quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's safety outlet under pressure, but also a strong blocking tight end that could help keep pressure off his quarterback. The Steelers were expected to add a tight this offseason, whether through free agency or in the upcoming draft, and they have reportedly found their guy in free agent tight end Ladarius Green.
The former Chargers tight end is reportedly expected to sign with the Steelers, and the team believes that he is a strong addition for both his receiving playmaking ability and his blocking skills. Green is heading into his fifth season in the NFL and improved with each season in his time in San Diego.
The 25-year-old tight end recorded 37 receptions for 429 yards and scored four touchdowns last season, and he could make a strong addition with Steeler 2015 fifth round pick Jesse James at the tight end position. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called Green a talented "vertical threat-like tight end," prior to playing the Chargers last season and is likely excited to have the young tight end join their roster this offseason.
The Chargers have reportedly brought back tight end Antonio Gates on a two-year contract, and that move likely ended any chances of Green returning to San Diego. It will be interesting to watch how Green adjusts to offensive coordinator Todd Haley's system in Pittsburgh, but he could make their offense more explosive, as he is clearly a threat in the passing game.
The main concern that Steelers fans likely have is protection for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, as their franchise quarterback only managed to play in 12 games last season, including multiple starts when he was not fully healthy. The Steelers are likely looking to fill holes on the defensive side of the ball this offseason in particular their secondary, but it wouldn't be surprising if they looked to target offensive linemen, either through free agency or the draft, as protecting their quarterback should be a top priority.
The Steelers have reportedly come to terms with Green but will still be looking to fill multiple holes this offseason, and their offensive line and secondary could be next.
