Steelers Should Strike Quickly And Land New Running Back Option

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision to move on from their former first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Najee Harris. On Monday, Harris signed a new deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, while the Steelers tendered Jaylen Warren. With Warren now set to take on a larger role, the Steelers must find a way to strengthen their running back room.

There's been plenty of debate about which direction Pittsburgh should take at running back. The free agent market isn’t particularly exciting, and the fact that the Steelers weren’t willing to pay Harris suggests they may look to the NFL Draft, which is loaded with talent at the position. Finding a young back to pair with Warren could be the best long-term move. However, relying solely on the draft to solidify a crucial aspect of their offense—especially as they look to establish a dominant run game—comes with risk.

That’s why some believe the Steelers should invest in a low-cost veteran to stabilize the position. This would allow them to draft a running back without putting all their eggs in one basket. On Tuesday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Green Bay Packers free agent running back AJ Dillon has been fully cleared to return for the 2025 season. Dillon could be a compelling option for the Steelers, giving them a proven power back to complement Warren while still allowing them to draft and develop a young playmaker.

Dillon’s market value is just $2 million, making him an incredibly affordable option for the Steelers, especially given their available cap space. Dillon has spent his entire four-year NFL career operating in a two-back system, proving to be a steady producer when healthy. However, injuries have slowed him down over the last two seasons, and he missed the entire 2024 campaign. Now fully cleared for a return, he’s looking for a fresh opportunity.

At just 26 years old, Dillon offers veteran experience at a bargain price, making him an ideal candidate to replace what the Steelers lost in Harris—without the hefty contract. Signing him would also ease the pressure on the draft, allowing Pittsburgh to select a running back without expecting immediate production.

Steelers Signing AJ Dillon Would Be A Big Win For Arthur Smith's Rushing Attack

Dillon’s skill set is a strong complement to Warren’s, giving the Steelers a reliable rotational backfield. Over his career, he has carried the ball 597 times for 2,428 rushing yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry with 16 rushing touchdowns. The draft is loaded with talented running backs, and pairing one with Warren and Dillon could give Arthur Smith’s offense the perfect balance of power, experience, and young potential to establish the dominant ground game Pittsburgh needs.

The Steelers made a blockbuster trade to acquire star wide receiver DK Metcalf, giving them a dynamic duo with George Pickens. With two elite deep threats commanding attention, Pittsburgh’s offense is poised to open up the running game in a big way. To fully capitalize on this, they need the right personnel in the backfield to take advantage of lighter defensive fronts.

Dillon would be an excellent addition to complement Warren and solidify the Steelers' rushing attack. With Metcalf, Pickens, and tight end Pat Freiermuth stretching defenses and controlling the middle of the field, Pittsburgh’s offense has the potential to take a massive leap forward in 2025. During the 2024 season, the offense showed some improvement but they didn't fully inspire Steelers fans. Now with new weapons and another year with Smith in town, Pittsburgh could shock many around the football world in 2025.

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