Greene Rushes Off to Join the Steelers : NFL: Three-year, $5.25-million contract is enough to make former Ram happy.

Kevin Greene, unsatisfied with his role with the Rams, has found happiness and a three-year, $5.25-million contract 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 outside 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, Greene will step in for Williams, and Williams will occupy Rolling’s post in San Diego.

Greene compiled 72 1/2 sacks in his eight-year run with the Rams, but believed his pass-rushing opportunities dwindled when the Rams switched to a 4-3 look.

The Rams said videotapes indicated Greene spent much of his time chasing the opposition’s quarterback. Greene led the team with 10 sacks last year.

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

Greene, reached Saturday at his home in Alabama, said he was too busy to comment.

The Rams have signed defensive end Fred Stokes, offensive tackle Irv Eatman and Rolling since free agents became available March 1. They have lost offensive tackle Gerald Perry and Greene.

The team has indicated it will pursue Minnesota defensive end Al Noga and Buffalo inside linebacker Shane Conlan.