Pittsburgh Steelers May Consider Adding Former Super Bowl Hero At RB3 Via A Trade With The Arizona Cardinals

Training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers is less than two weeks away. While many fans are eager to see big-name players such as TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Kenny Pickett in action, there are also a number of lesser known players who will be in positional battles that will ultimately be decided by practices in Latrobe. One of the biggest competitions will come at third-string running back, a position held by Benny Snell in 2022. With Snell yet to be re-signed, the question remains who will take his place on offense, and perhaps more importantly, on special teams?

The Steelers certainly have a number of in-house candidates who would likely fill the RB3 role well, including Anthony McFarland Jr., Jason Huntley, Alfonzo Graham and Darius Hagans. McFarland, who spent 2022 on the the team's practice squad, is perhaps the leader in the clubhouse due to his experience in the NFL. With that being said, he is far from a sure thing to win the job. It is entirely possible that any of the other ball carriers take advantage of the opportunities given to them and make the roster, similar to that of Jaylen Warren in 2022. 

If the Steelers do decide to add to the position, there is a former Super Bowl Champion winning player who could potentially be available via a trade: Arizona Cardinals' running back, Corey Clement. During a recent article written by Dave Holcomb of heavy.com, Clement may become available if the Cardinals opt to make a run at Josh Jacobs, who is currently in the midst of a contract struggle with the Las Vegas Raiders. 

"Clement is currently slotted to be [James] Conner’s backup in Arizona, but he would move to a No. 3 role if the Cardinals add Jacobs. If Arizona makes him available through a trade, he would be an interesting possible addition for the Steelers," described Holcomb.

Clement's Versatility Would Make Him A Welcome Addition To The Steelers' Offense

Clement's best season was in 2017 with the Philadelphia Eagles, rushing for 321 yards and four touchdowns in addition to having 10 receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles ended up with a Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots. He is perhaps best well known for taking the shotgun snap on one of the most memorable plays in NFL history, the "Philly Special." He also recorded a receiving touchdown in the victory as well. 

While Clement is talented in both rushing and catching the football, he has struggled to prove his worth as a starting-caliber running back during his six-year NFL career. Fortunately, if the hypothetical trade between the Steelers and Cardinals were to happen, he would not need to carry much of the load as Najee Harris and Warren are the unquestioned top-two ball carriers on the roster. Furthermore, as Holcomb points out in the article, Clement has plenty of experience playing special teams, something that will be asked of any player who occupies the RB3 role in 2023. 

Fellow Cardinals' Running Back May Also Be Available Via Trade

Holcomb also lists fellow Cardinals' running back, Ty'Son Williams as another possible option for the Steelers to consider trading for. Interestingly enough, Williams is plenty familiar with the AFC North as he spent his rookie season in 2021 with the Baltimore Ravens, compiling 185 yards rushing on an impressive 5.3 yards per attempt and another 84 receiving. While he is not as well-known as Clement, he may also be a viable option to consider at backup running back. 

Regardless of whether or not the Steelers try to make a deal for either of these players, finding a third-string running back will be a top priority for the team to figure out prior to the start of the regular season. While it may not seem like a very important role, it's worth keeping in mind the amount of physical wear-and-tear that comes along with the position. This will be something to keep an eye on in Latrobe. Less than two weeks until players report, Steeler Nation!

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

How would you feel about the Steelers bringing in Clement? Do you think the team already has their RB3 on the roster? If so, who? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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