Michael Lombardi is reporting via Twitter that Steelers unrestricted free agent tight end Matt Spaeth has agreed to terms today with the Chicago Bears. Spaeth was originally drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Minnesota. Prior to the lockout beginning, the Steelers reportedly had tried to tender Spaeth just in case he would have been deemed a restricted free agent this year. The new labor deal made that tender worthless as Spaeth has 4 years accrued in the league.
Spaeth was never a receiving threat in the Bruce Arians two tight end offense and was mostly utilized as a blocker. For the entire 2010 season, Spaeth was on the field for just under 550 plays. He also played on special teams. The Steelers still have 2009 7th round draft pick David Johnson on the roster along with tight ends Eugene Bright, Wesyle Saunders, Vaughn Charlton and Jamie McCoy. All four players are expected to compete to become the number two tight end behind starter Heath Miller.
