Steelers Insider Predicts Competition To Be Brought In At Running Back Prior To The Start Of 2023 Training Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers are fortunate to have one of the league's best one-two punches at running back in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. These two will undoubtedly be held responsible for most of the team's rushing success in 2023, but the question remains as to who will be the team's third player at the position. 

In 2022, the role was held by Benny Snell Jr., who rarely saw the field on offense, but was an integral part of the Steelers' special teams unit. The former fourth-round pick has yet to be re-signed by the team this offseason. While Snell being brought back is certainly a possibility, it may be time for the Steelers to consider adding additional help at the position. 

Apart from Harris and Warren, the current running backs on the roster include Jason Huntley, Anthony McFarland Jr., as well as undrafted free agent rookies Alfonzo Graham and Darius Hagans. Needless to say, this is not exactly a star-studded list of possible options at third-string ball carrier. McFarland, who is entering his fourth season with the Steelers, most likely has the best chance of occupying the role as he spent the 2022 campaign splitting time between the team's practice squad and active roster. 

With that being said, there are many who are unimpressed by the Steelers' collection of running backs behind Harris and Warren. One of these people would be Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. During a recent chat transcript posted on the site, Batko detailed how it is more likely than not that the front office will continue to add to the positional group prior to the start of 2023 training camp. 

"Jaylen Warren would likely be the guy, but I am a bit surprised how thin they are at RB. Unless they really like Anthony McFarland more than anyone suspects. I'd keep an eye on more competition being added there before or during camp, for sure," said Batko.

The Steelers Still Have Options At RB3 Outside Of McFarland

Outside of internal candidates to fill the role, there are still a number of players the Steelers could consider signing to back up Harris and Warren in 2023, including Snell. To some, the third-string running back may seem like an unimportant job, however, it is crucial to keep in mind the amount of physical punishment that comes along with playing the position. The RB3 is only two plays away from being the Steelers' featured ball carrier. Below you will find a list of two free agent running backs the Steelers may consider.

Justin Jackson

Jackson is perhaps the most realistic candidate to fill this role due to his ability to contribute on both special teams and offense. Originally a seventh-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2018 NFL Draft, he spent the 2022 season with the Detroit Lions. Over the course of his five-year career, Jackson has amassed over 1,200 yards on the ground to go along with 600 yards receiving.  

At only 27 yards old, the former seventh-round pick has plenty of high-quality football left in him and would likely come at a cheap price for the Steelers. He would be an immediate upgrade over any current running back on the team's roster outside of Harris and Warren. If Jackson is looking for an opportunity to make a 53-man roster, there is perhaps no better place than Pittsburgh to keep his NFL career alive. 

David Johnson

This guy is still playing? The answer would be yes, as he spent the 2022 campaign with the New Orleans Saints, appearing in five total games. While the 31-year-old Johnson signing with the Steelers is a bit of a stretch, it may not be completely out of the realm of possibility. He is far removed from the prime of his career where he earned both Pro-Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2016 with the Arizona Cardinals, but may have just enough gas in the tank to serve as a viable option at backup running back for the Steelers in 2023. 

Johnson has struggled tremendously with injuries since his departure from the Cardinals and is perhaps on the last legs of his professional career. With that being said, a role as the third-string running back for the Steelers could serve well for both sides in 2023. During the 2022 offseason, Johnson may have hinted at his interest in suiting up for the black and gold. 

In all likelihood, the Steelers are looking for a player who can contribute on special teams with the final roster spot at running back. Johnson, at this point in his career, is unlikely to provide much use in this area, but could certainly provide a spark on offense, provided he is healthy. If this is indeed the case, the Steelers may look to the former All-Pro to serve as a backup this upcoming season and serve as a mentor for both Harris and Warren.