As training camp is near, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to have a glaring need: another running back behind second-year starter, Najee Harris. As of now, Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. are the primary backups, with Trey Edmunds and UDFA's Jaylen Warren and Mataeo Durant as other options. It does sound a bit repetitive at this point, but the Steelers do need to sign an additional veteran into this group.
Benny Snell Jr. scores his third career touchdown against the Cleveland Browns. (Sports Illustrated)
Who knows, maybe they have trust in McFarland to turn things around and Snell to be a vital backup. Perhaps they think one of the UDFA's can establish themselves on the 53-man roster. Regardless, a veteran signing wouldn't necessarily hurt, and in today's NFL, having three legitimate running backs can be crucial. Look at the Cleveland Browns last season. When Nick Chubb went down, they had a guy like Kareem Hunt who was more than capable. That even extended to third-string RB D'Ernest Johnson, who excelled in two starts last year.
Now, let's look at just why the Steelers may be waiting so long for a veteran running back. As of now, guys like David Johnson, Devontae Booker, Justin Jackson, and Wayne Gallman make up the available free agents at RB. Those are mostly uninspiring names, and in just over a month, the selection will be much better. That is, when roster cuts take place, solid players around the league become cap casualties. There have been some lists accumulated throughout the off-season from various sites on potential cut candidates. Bleacher Report's Ian Wharton included these running backs in his list:
- Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills
- Kenyan Drake, Las Vegas Raiders
- Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers
- James White, New England Patriots
- Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks
ESPN had these running backs listed, via beat reporters from each team:
- Salvon Ahmed, Miami Dolphins
- Ty Montgomery, Patriots
- D'Ernest Johnson, Browns
- Jordan Wilkins, Tennessee Titans
- Joshua Kelley, Chargers
- Giovani Bernard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Those are some very solid names, better than the ones currently on the market. Guys like Bernard, White, and Montgomery would bring a completely different dynamic to the Steelers backfield. Any of those three would give them an option on passing downs. Chris Carson is likely the most prominent name on those lists, and the writing seems to be on the wall for his time in Seattle. The Seahawks selected Kenneth Walker III in this year's draft, and they still have Rashaad Penny as well. It's unclear if Carson will even play again, due to his ongoing neck problems that are quite severe.
Credit: Don Wright/AP
To me, the most appealing name from those lists would either be D'Ernest Johnson or Kenyan Drake. Drake brings multiple different dimensions to an offense, starting with speed. He can catch out of the backfield at a decent rate as well. Johnson, a bit on the younger side, has immense upside. Despite being No. 3 on the Browns depth chart, I don't see them moving on from him.
Backfields to keep a close eye on: Baltimore Ravens, Browns, Dolphins, Bills
Who should the Steelers pursue?
Of these names, who would you guys like to see the Steelers go after if they're released? Would you be content with Snell and McFarland as the backups heading into the season? Let us know your thoughts on the Steelers RB situation in the comment section below!
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