The start of NFL free agency is almost upon us, and the Pittsburgh Steelers will once again be active in filling the current holes on their roster. While they may not be the biggest spenders, they should still add a handful of notable names.
One of those names shouldn’t be a running back.
Recent speculation has emerged that this team is set to pursue a top running back in free agency. While it's just rumors, it would be a mistake if they are even remotely true.
While the Steelers will naturally want to run the ball well with so much uncertainty at quarterback, going after a big money running back has proven time and time again to be the wrong move.
Signing a notable running back should not be on the Pittsburgh Steelers to-do list
While running backs have seen a small resurgence in recent years, their overall effectiveness should still be questioned.
We saw teams like the Eagles, Ravens, and Packers get a boost by signing a big-name running back. That said, those teams were scattered with talent everywhere else. Running back felt like a finishing touch and not the lone bright spot for their offense.
Oh, and let’s not forget, the only team that actually won anything meaningful with their highly paid running back was Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh is an entirely different story. This team has lacked a viable passing game for some time, and when they have invested in the running back position heavily, teams could focus on just stopping the run.
You also have Jaylen Warren around, and while his contract is cheap enough to afford a bigger-name running back, why would you? He can do everything you want in a modern-day back, and for most of last season, fans were clamoring that he should get the ball more.
If this team really wants to spend more in their room, just bring back Kenneth Gainwell. He was a great compliment to the room. That said, I think it makes more sense to give Warren the reins, add some cheap depth in free agency or on day three of the draft, and allow Kaleb Johnson the chance to earn his keep.
No matter what the plan is, it shouldn’t be to spend big money on the running back position. It seldom works out for the team, and whenever it does, it is because said team had every other hole filled and an elite runner became the cherry on top.
The Steelers aren’t there yet, so a top flight running back in free agency shouldn’t be on the table.