Steelers' Back-Up Plan At Running Back Is As Simple As It Gets With Productive Veteran On Trade Block

The Pittsburgh Steelers come into the 2026 NFL Draft with needs at many spots. The team owns more than 10 draft picks and could look to make a move. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan may decide to be aggressive with his selections, as there have been discussions revolving around trading up. However, this bounty of picks could be used to acquire veteran players at positions of need via trade. The Steelers added established receiver DK Metcalf in 2025 via trade, and Khan has proven he can be on the phones at any time.

The Steelers may lose vital free agents this offseason, and there is a player on the trade market that potentially makes a huge impact on the Steelers' plans at the running back position. Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery seemingly looks to be on the move, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. 

"The Lions' David Montgomery wants out, has a reasonable contract (owed $6 million in 2026), and is 28. That has value. Word out of Indy is that Detroit would want a decent Day 3 pick (possibly a fifth-rounder) in return," Fowler wrote. 

The Steelers could be in the market for running back depth, as their team MVP, Kenneth Gainwell, is set to test free agency. The team has expressed wanting him back, but Gainwell could be looking for his first big NFL payday elsewhere. If Pittsburgh misses out on re-signing him, it wouldn't be a surprise if it looks to add another veteran piece, like Montgomery, to its running back room. 

Montgomery has had an established NFL career. He has spent time with the Lions and the Chicago Bears, while being an extremely effective weapon. During his time in the Motor City, Montgomery has become known for his aggressive running style and ability to score touchdowns. In his three seasons in Detroit, Montgomery has accrued 2,506 yards and 33 touchdowns, even while splitting time with young star Jahmyr Gibbs. 

Montgomery could look to be a very solid Gainwell replacement as the team would lack depth behind its starter, Jaylen Warren, should Gainwell depart. Montgomery has had a very solid career and would be a commendable asset for the Steelers. 

The Steelers have a plethora of picks and quite a few Day 3 picks. The Lions could only be looking for a fifth-rounder, and that would be a no-brainer for Pittsburgh. The Steelers could prove to be an aggressive team if they want to add depth and remain competitive under newly-hired Head Coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy would have a field day with two dependable backs like Warren and Montgomery. 

Warren and Montgomery could be a great pair, as the two have some varying skill sets. Montgomery is listed at 5'11", 230 pounds. He is a downhill runner with some power and is quite different from Warren. 

Warren is a smaller, shiftier back who is listed at 5'9", 215 pounds. The two could be a nice complementary duo in the Pittsburgh backfield. The Steelers would be wise to add the veteran, as he is a proven talent and doesn't require any development. He would come right in and instantly be a weapon in McCarthy's offense. 

Steelers Need To Prepare For Gainwell's Departure

The Steelers could face losing their surprisingly productive weapon in Gainwell. Gainwell was a safety net last year as he led the team in receptions with 73. The Steelers lack depth if Gainwell leaves, as Warren's backup would be second-year back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson proved last year that he still needs time to acclimate to the NFL, as he had a very unproductive season. 

Johnson struggled mightily at times, even making a costly mistake in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, where he misplayed a kick return that resulted in a Seattle score. The Steelers need to address their running back draft this offseason, especially if Gainwell leaves, whether that be through the draft, trade, or free agency.

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