PRO FOOTBALL : Greene Leaves Rams for Steelers, $5.25 Million

Kevin Greene, dissatisfied with his role with the Rams, has found happiness and a $5.25-million contract for three years in Pittsburgh.

“He’s a proven pass rusher,” Pittsburgh Coach Bill Cowher said. “Statistically, when he’s had his big numbers it was in a defense similar to what we can provide him.

“He also wanted to be here, and I think that played a big role into getting this done.”

After the Steelers reached an agreement with Greene, they announced they were not going to match San Diego’s one-year, $1.7-million offer to linebacker Jerrol Williams.

In preparation for Greene’s departure, the Rams signed Charger outside linebacker Henry Rolling late Friday night to a three-year, $3.1-million pact.

Rolling replaces Greene, who will step in for Williams and Williams will occupy Rolling’s post in San Diego.

Greene had 72 1/2 sacks in his eight-year stint with the Rams, but said his pass-rushing opportunities dwindled when the Rams switched to a 4-3 defense.

Greene did not give the Rams an opportunity to bid for his services while he negotiated with the Steelers. He said he would talk to Coach Chuck Knox before accepting a new contract elsewhere, but apparently changed his mind.

Greene, reached at his home in Alabama on Saturday, would not comment on his move to Pittsburgh.