Steelers Seem To Be Content With Moving On From Benny Snell During The 2023 Season According To Insider

The Pittsburgh Steelers possess one of the most formidable duos at running back in the entire NFL with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Assuming both players can remain healthy, they will be responsible for a large majority of the production from the positional group next season. While the Steelers should feel confident in their top two guys, there remains a question about who the third-string running back will be in 2023. 

In 2022, it was Benny Snell. However, Snell is currently a free agent and has yet to be brought back to Pittsburgh. Could the Steelers still have interest in re-signing him? According to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, possible, but not likely. During a chat transcript posted on the site on 05/08/2023, Batko took the time to answer a question regarding the possibility of a reunion between Snell and the Steelers. 

"Or they're just content to move on from doing business with Benny Snell. I mostly agree with you that he actually served a purpose as the RB3, and the signs of life last year in Indy were a pleasant surprise. But perhaps they want someone who brings a bit more juice and upside to that role, even if that means sacrificing his special teams prowess, such as it is," answered Batko in regard to Benny Snell returning to the Steelers in 2023. 

Should The Steelers Consider Re-Signing Snell? 

The "Benny Snell Football" era in Pittsburgh may have reached its end, as the team has recently given his #24 jersey away to rookie cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. While this does certainly not guarantee the Steelers will not bring him back, it may serve as an indication that they are willing to move on from him at backup running back. 

During his four seasons with the Steelers, Snell was solid, totaling 982 yards on the ground and seven touchdowns. His best season was actually his rookie campaign in 2019, rushing for 426 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately for him, he was never viewed as a starting-caliber running back for the team and struggled to play over James Conner in 2019 and 2020 and Harris in 2021 and 2022. Because of this, Snell was relegated to special teams duty, where he was highly effective, and played very sparingly on offense. 

Can A Former Fourth-Round Pick Finally Prove His Worth?

In addition to Harris and Warren, the Steelers currently have Anthony McFarland, Master Teague, and Jason Huntley on their roster at running back. At this time, McFarland may have a slight edge over the other two due to his experience in the team's offense. Originally a fourth-round pick of the Steelers in 2020, the former University of Maryland star has yet to establish himself in the NFL, only having 146 career rushing yards in his three seasons with the team. 

With that being said, McFarland has a strong relationship with Steelers' offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, due to their time together at Maryland and possesses elite-level speed, making him a logical candidate to make the roster in 2023. The main concern with him is his special teams' ability. With Harris and Warren set to be featured components of the offense next season, the third-string running back will need to provide value to Danny Smith's unit. McFarland already has experience in returning kicks, but may need to show he can handle additional special teams responsibilities to be with the Steelers next season.  

McFarland had a strong training camp and preseason last year and would have most likely made the team last year if it were not for the emergence of Warren. His game-breaking speed makes him an intriguing option to replace Snell as the RB3, but will need another strong performance this upcoming preseason in order to solidify his spot on the team. If he does so, the trio of Harris, Warren, and McFarland may prove to be one of the most dynamic group of running backs the team has had in quite some time. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

How do Yinz feel about the Steelers most likely moving on from Snell? Do you trust McFarland as the team's backup this upcoming season? Is there a free agent running back you would like to see the team add? Let us know in the comments! 

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