Steelers free agency 2013: Matt Spaeth signed to one-year deal
By Matt Shetler
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to add depth pieces to their 2013 roster and Steelers’ general manager Kevin Colbert continued the trend of bring back former Steelers, this time with tight end Matt Spaeth.
Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears tight end Matt Spaeth (89) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bears defeated the Cardinals 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Spaeth has agreed on a contract with the Steelers, ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson reported Friday night. The Bears released the 28-year-old on Wednesday.
He was a former third-round pick of the Steelers (2007) and wore the black-and-gold for four seasons before signing with the Bears.
Spaeth is a very good run blocker, which will help. He was actually rated as the best tight end in the NFL in 2012 in terms of run blocking by Pro Football Focus.
With Heath Miller likely to miss a portion of the season after tearing his ACL in late December, adding tight end depth was a must for Colbert.
Spaeth doesn’t help a great deal in terms of the passing game as the Minnesota product has only hauled in 49 career passes in 91 career games. However he will be a valuable red zone target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, as Spaeth has caught eight touchdowns in his career, most of which have come around the goal line as his 6’7″ frame proves to be a weapon in tight quarters.
Check back often to City of Champions Sports for continual updates on all of the wheelings and dealings of Steelers free agency.