Addition Of Ladarius Green Makes Pittsburgh Steelers' Offense Even More Dangerous

Heath Miller‘s retirement left a big hole on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster and took away on of Ben Roethlisberger‘s favorite targets. However, the Steelers are reportedly signing free agent tight end Ladarius Green which could prove to be one of the best signings in the free agent period.

It seems as if we have been waiting for Green to have his breakout season for a long time, but the San Diego Chargers were more comfortable with Antonio Gates and Green became somewhat of an afterthought in the offense. The Chargers’ loss will be the Steelers’ gain, however.

Green, who will turn 26 in May, started 11 games for the Chargers last year, the most in his career. He set career highs for receptions (37), yards (429) and touchdowns (4). Adding Green to an offense that will feature Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton makes the Steelers incredibly potent on that side of the ball.

Miller was targeted 81 times last season and hauled in 60 catches for 535 yards and two scores. Green should be able to improve on those numbers, especially in the red zone where his 6-foot-6, 237-pound frame should make him an easy target for Roethlisberger. Miller stood out often for Big Ben in that area over the years, but Green has the size and athleticism that should make Steelers fans easily forget about Miller this season.

The Steelers’ passing offense was already the league’s third best last season with 4,603 yards but ranked 17th in passing touchdowns. Adding Green to the mix should increase the Steelers’ ability to score through the air while also becoming an incredibly reliable option for Roethlisberger in the middle of the field. The Steelers’ offense was great last year, but this season they are going to be downright scary to defend. Green should finally have the breakout year everyone was waiting for.