The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to decline running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option prior to the 2024 season was very telling. Sure enough, after the season ended, so did Harris' time in the Steel City. After four years as the team’s lead back, the former first-round pick is now with the Los Angeles Chargers, closing the chapter on what was once considered a key piece of Pittsburgh’s offense.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren working on a drill together at practice.
With Harris gone, all signs point to undrafted standout Jaylen Warren finally getting a true opportunity to lead the backfield. Warren has impressed every time he’s touched the ball, and fans have been clamoring for him to take on a bigger role. The Steelers also added Kenneth Gainwell from the Philadelphia Eagles, and the duo is expected to provide a fresh, dynamic one-two punch heading into 2025.
However, according to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, the team might not be done. On his podcast Wednesday, Kaboly urged fans not to overlook the possibility of the Steelers making a bold move by bringing in former Cleveland Browns star Nick Chubb. Despite recovering from a devastating knee injury, Chubb’s track record as a dominant runner—and the idea of him donning black and gold—would certainly turn heads and shake up the AFC North.
"Honestly, [Nick Chubb] is a guy I would keep an eye on about May 3rd," Kaboly said.
Chubb’s name came up after Kaboly’s co-host, Chris Mack, mentioned the viral video of him back-squatting 550 pounds, a reminder of the strength that made him one of the league’s most feared runners. Despite that display, Chubb wasn’t the same player in 2024 as he worked his way back from a serious knee injury.
Joc.Films / Instagram
Browns running back takes social media by storm after back squatting 550 pounds.
Still, Kaboly told fans not to rule out the possibility of the Steelers making a move for the former Browns star in 2025. If Chubb proves he’s healthy, Pittsburgh could see him as a valuable addition to a backfield already featuring Warren and Gainwell.
"You know why," Kaboly said. "It’s because of the compensatory garbage. The compensatory selection process ends the Monday after the draft, so it doesn’t count against them. That’s why these teams wait so long now for these veterans."
Kaboly explained that the Steelers may be waiting to sign a running back to avoid forfeiting any potential compensatory picks, which is why he suggested May 3rd could be the key date for Steeler Nation to watch.
He believes the possibility of adding a back, whether it’s Chubb or another veteran, is still on the table as the Steelers look to strengthen their roster before the 2025 season. Pittsburgh seems committed to adding both a draft pick and a veteran running back to round out their backfield options.
Steelers Could Get Great Value By Signing Nick Chubb
Chubb remains an intriguing option despite his injury-plagued 2023 season, particularly following the knee injury he suffered against the Steelers. While he wasn’t the same dominant force upon his return, Chubb would still provide tremendous value as a veteran presence, especially if he’s fully recovered. If Chubb has anything left in the tank, adding him would create an exciting, deep backfield featuring a mix of power and versatility to complement the Steelers’ offense.
Rick Kruszynski / Cleveland Browns
Browns' Nick Chubb runs away from the Steelers defense during a game in Cleveland.
At just 29 years old, Chubb still has plenty of football left in him, and the Steelers are undoubtedly aware of what he’s capable of when fully healthy. Throughout his career, Chubb has consistently been a thorn in Pittsburgh’s side, regularly slicing through their defense when facing the Browns. The idea of having him on their side of the ball is an exciting thought, and according to Kaboly, it’s one that might actually become a reality. If Chubb can return to form, the Steelers could land a game-changing addition to their offense.
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