Currently on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster in the running back room behind the sensational Najee Harris, is Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland, Trey Edmunds, and undrafted rookies Mataeo Durant, and Jaylen Warren. Harris leaves no doubts about his ability to be a workhorse running back in the NFL, but the last thing the Steelers need to do is run a superstar running back into the ground with nearly 400 touches per season. Harris, obviously, led the team with 307 carries last season, but who was number two on that list? Snell was second on the team with just 36 carries for 98 yards.
AP Photo / Keith Srakocic
That can't happen again. The Steelers are just going to have to find a way to spell Harris during the 2022 season. Whether that be with a guy that's already on the roster or picking up a solid veteran free agent option.
I'm not sure if the Steelers are interested in adding to the running back room, but Johnson is one veteran free agent option. At the age of 30 however, he may not even be on the Steelers' radar. If the Steelers are interested in adding via the free agent market, another veteran RB has been listed as a viable candidate in an article by Bleacher Report.
Chargers running back Justin Jackson gives chargers first lead of the game on a shifty touchdown run. (Chargers.com)
The writer, Jake Rill stated this about the Steelers current running back room:
"Najee Harris had an impressive rookie season in 2021, and he'll again be the Steelers' clear-cut top running back in 2022.If the 24-year-old is going to have a long and successful career, though, it could be valuable for Pittsburgh to have an RB or two who can help lessen his workload at times.
Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. are back with the Steelers this year, but neither is likely to put up huge numbers in their limited action. So it could be valuable for Pittsburgh to bring in a proven No. 2 back who can have success when called upon to spell Harris."
Rill continued about why Jackson would be the perfect fit for the Steelers:
"Justin Jackson could be an ideal running back to fill that role. He was a valuable backup over his four seasons with the Chargers and had a solid showing last season, recording 68 carries for 364 yards and two touchdowns over 14 games.The 26-year-old is capable of breaking off some big runs, even if he's not touching the ball a ton in a given game. That's why he'd be a great secondary option out of the Steelers backfield who could contribute in the passing game at times, too."
Jackson has been a career backup since coming into the league with the Los Angeles Chargers. And that's exactly what the Steelers need behind Harris. Jackson has totaled 1,040 yards on 206 carries and 4 touchdowns in his four-year career, that's a 5 yards per carry average for you statistical fanatics out there!
He's also been quite good in the passing game as well for the Chargers, grabbing 65 receptions for 508 yards. Jackson is a well rounded back with 4.5 speed that the Steelers could use efficiently to give Harris a breather or two each game. Not to mention, he already has TJ Watt's sack celebration down pat! Get this man in the black and gold, right now!
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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