Pittsburgh Steelers Could Sign RB Ben Tate
The Pittsburgh Steelers are meeting with RB Ben Tate today, and if things go well, the team could make him an offer, according to reports from ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are wasting zero time in strengthening their roster. The team will reportedly meet with free agent running back Ben Tate today. Should things go well between the two parties, and offer could be extended for the services of the 5th year veteran. Tate has previously spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans.
Tate had a relatively quiet campaign during 2014, producing just 371 yards on 119 carries with 4 rushing touchdowns for the Browns and Vikings, before being released last week by the latter. Though never really having been featured as a number one option, Tate has averaged a remarkably consistent 4.4 yards per carry through his career. And although his numbers have trended downwards since his rookie season, so has the performances of his teams’ offensive lines.
Former Browns and Texans RB Ben Tate visiting Steelers today, per league source. If visit goes well, Steelers expected to sign him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 30, 2014
Should the match be made, Tate would be heading to a team with the 2nd most prolific offensive unit in the league in terms of yards per game, with 411.1. Pittsburgh will be looking to balance out its attack though, as their passing game ranks second in the NFL with 301.6 yards per game, while on the ground they are just 16th with 109.5 per contest. Le’Veon Bell has set a franchise record with 2,215 yards from scrimmage this year, but the addition of Tate would provide a nice second option in the backfield and could make for less predictable run packages.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be facing off against their AFC North divisional rival Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday. Bell, is questionable, but the team is hopeful that he can suit up for game-time.
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