The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a key player this offseason when veteran tight end Heath Miller announced his retirement in February, but have since acquired a talented and young pass-catching tight end in Ladarius Green.
The former San Diego Charger is entering his fifth season in the league, and is coming off his best season in his young NFL career. The 25-year-old recorded 37 receptions for 429 yards and scored four touchdowns with the Chargers last season, and should be considered a strong fantasy option for fans looking to draft a sleeper tight end.
The Steelers will utilize both Green's 6-foot-6, 240-pound frame and his speed, as he has the ability to shed tacklers and break open downfield. "He's got a bright future in Pittsburgh," said Chargers head coach Mike McCoy. "Can't say enough good things about him. That was not an easy decision."
The Steelers know they have picked a talent that should excel in offensive coordinator Todd Haley's system, which looks to move the ball down field through the air. "Heath was a great receiver, a great blocker. He wasn't really a stretch-the-field guy," said Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert. "Ladarius gives you that added dimension of speed... the speed and vertical threat at tight end is really something we haven't had."
The newly acquired player should be considered a top 15 tight end heading into the 2016 season, and could end up finishing in the top 10 in Haley's offensive system. He was not included on most top 20 tight end lists heading into the 2015 season, but on a new team, as the No. 1 guy, Green should excel in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers will also be without wide receiver Martavis Bryant for the 2016 season due to suspension, and while wide receiver Sammie Coates is expected to pick up his play in his second season, Green as well as others should receive more targets from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers are expecting big things from Green in his first year in Pittsburgh, and fantasy owners should count on the same thing, as he could be a huge commodity during the 2016 season.
