During the off-season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have refused to pay much attention to the running back position. That's despite Najee Harris having to take a vast majority of the team's carries as a rookie, burdening a heavy workload. Sure, there are some new faces, all of which are rookie undrafted free agents. You can specifically label Jaylen Warren as a stand-out, but it's important to still temper the expectations there.
AP Photo / Keith Srakocic
Veterans Anthony McFarland Jr. and Benny Snell Jr. have had their bright moments in training camp so far, but their status in the NFL is pretty much established and known at this point. That's not to say either one of them can't turn things around and improve, but we really haven't consistently seen signs that would tell us otherwise. The team did attempt to make a depth move by signing veteran tailback, Jeremy McNichols, but he was placed on IR after an injury.
The New England Patriots have a crowded backfield with several different intriguing options. As a result, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated speculated that veteran RB Damien Harris could possibly be traded. In training camp, rumors have leaked out that running back Rhamondre Stevenson has overtaken Harris for the starting job. Harris had a career year in 2021, running for 929 yards and 15 touchdowns. Despite that, Stevenson has possibly unseated the Alabama product with an impressive camp. Stevenson had a nice rookie year himself, running for 606 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and five touchdowns in just 12 games (two starts).
Beyond those two, the team has some additional talent at the position. JJ Taylor has been on the team for two seasons, racking up 147 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 42 carries. Despite his small stature, he has just five catches in his career, so he's unlikely to take on the role of James White. As Breer pointed out, the team drafted not one, but two running backs in the 2022 NFL Draft. Pierre Strong was picked in the fourth round out of South Dakota State, while South Carolina product Kevin Harris was taken in the sixth round.
It is important to note that the idea of a possible Harris trade was suggested by Breer before veteran James White announced his retirement on Thursday morning. White was always a favorite of Bill Belichick's, so his retirement certainly helps the clean up the RB room a little bit in New England. Still though, if one or two of the rookie backs prove themselves before the season, perhaps the front office finds Harris to be tradable. It's worthy to note that Ty Montgomery, formerly a wide receiver, is on the roster as well. He presents as a likely option to replace White's presence in the passing game.
There haven't been any other rumors about a possible trade for Harris, other than Breer's speculation. When evaluating New England's situation though, it does make sense. One or even two talented backs will face the numbers crunch and likely be cut. Even if Harris doesn't get traded, GM Omar Khan and the Steelers may have their eye on who gets cut from the Patriots backfield.
Omar Khan is introduced as the Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager at a press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 27, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
In that case, the Steelers should hop right on that opportunity. Damien Harris would be the perfect guy to spell Najee Harris, and you could even tout them as "Harris and Harris Law Firm."
Yinz, what do you think about the possibility of trading for Harris? Does it make any sense? What about the nickname? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, as well as on our social media pages!
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