Top Free Agent Running Backs to Target for Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers landed their next great running back last season in the NFL Draft when they selected Najee Harris in the first round. Harris was a workhorse for the Steelers, rushing for 1,200 yards and catching 74 passes for 467 yards. Combined, he touched the ball 381 times.
THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-ONE TIMES. That's just too much for a running back. Unfortunately, that was head coach Mike Tomlin's MO. He famously once said that he was going to run the wheels off of Willie Parker, and he did just that. Tomlin ran Parker until he broke his leg in 2007 (Tomlin's first year) and he never recovered. At the time of Parker's injury, he was leading the league in rushing but had 321 rushes through 14 and a half games. The Steelers selected Rashard Mendenhall in the 2008 NFL Draft and Parker was finished in the NFL by 2009.
Tomlin spend several years with running backs that were 'good enough' but no where near the caliber of Harris until he drafted Le'Veon Bell in 2013. Again, he gave Bell the ball often, both receiving and rushing. It worked well and Bell seemed to be able to hold up for the regular season, but by the time the playoffs came around, Bell was broken. That must stop now. Tomlin has to learn from his mistakes, even if it's taken this long.
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The team must sign a capable backup to Harris. While the offensive line struggles are part of the problem when it comes to running backs that aren't as talented as Harris, Benny Snell has failed to show any consistency as a backup. Snell has flashed in different moments as a starter, but can't be counted on to come in and spell Harris. The team needs to go out and upgrade the backup running back position. Below is a list of potential candidates:
Raheem Mostert - Mostert has been injured quite often after signing an $8 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2019. He doesn't seem to be able to physically handle the every down back duties, but in a backup role, he could flourish. Due to his injuries, he should come cheap, and he could be the perfect one-two punch with Harris. In 16 games as a backup in 2019, he rushed for 772 yards averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Before his season ended in 2020, he was averaging 5 yards per carry as San Francisco's starter.
James White - White has 321 receptions in his career in New England. He was often Tom Brady's security blanket and a sure handed backup to Harris could be something the Steelers covet. The Steelers used to use Mewelde Moore as a third down receiving back option, and White could fit that role. While Harris is a spectacular receiver out of the back field, having another pass-catching back could help lighten the load for Harris. White has never had over 100 rushing attempts in a season, but has averaged 4 yards per carry in his career.
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Jalen Richard - Richard played in 10 games for the Raiders last season, but was pushed so far down the depth chart, he didn't see much time on the field. He's spent his entire career backing up Josh Jacobs, but when given the opportunity, he was able to be productive catching the football out of the backfield. A change of scenery, and some playing time will be what Richard is looking for as he heads into free agency.
Sony Michel - Michel was sent to Los Angeles by the Patriots when the Rams lost Cam Akers to an Achilles injury. He piled up 845 yards rushing in a split role with Darrell Henderson. He proved to be a reliable target out of the backfield catching a career high 21 passes. Michel never lived up to the first round hype in New England, and it doesn't appear that he is a true number one running back. But in a backup role, he could thrive with Harris. Michel averaged 4.1 yards per carry, and topped 100 yards rushing twice last season.
Other names to consider: Boston Scott, Daryl Williams, Damien Williams, and Ronald Jones II.
Do yinz think the Steelers need to upgrade the running back room behind Harris? Click to comment below!
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