Steelers Have Choices In Crowded RB Free Agent Pool
January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
DeAngelo Williams
The Carolina Panthers must love cutting their “All-time” players. A year after cutting all-time receiver Steve Smith, the Panthers have now cut their all-time rusher, DeAngelo Williams. Not that you can blame them
This seemed like a long time coming. As the offense continued to get younger, Williams seemed like the senior further and further on the outside.He turns 32 in April.. In nine seasons, he’s only broken the 1,000 yard barrier twice… just barely. His most productive TD season was in 2008 when he crossed the goal line 18 times.
Coming off his worst season in the NFL, Williams suffered ankle and hand injuries, rushing for 219 yards on 62 carries without a touchdown. According to Williams, the Panthers cut him because the team was moving away from running the ball and could not afford to keep both he and Jonathan Stewart.
Williams was guaranteed to make $1.85 million in 2015, and will save the Panthers $2.2 million when cut post-June 1st.
Williams would be all sorts of wrong if the Steelers added him. His style varies too much from Le’Veon Bell’s meaning the offense would need to adjust every time he’s on the field. He’s also vocal about wanting to run the ball more – a problem that eventually got him cut from the team. LeGarrette Blount anybody?
Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Peyton Hillis (33) rushes for yardage during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Peyton Hillis
The fullback playing a halfback’s game was cut by the New York Giants on Wednesday. You knew he was still in the league, right?
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The one time Madden cover is once again without a job. Hillis has had short stints with the Broncos, Browns, Chiefs, Bucs, and the Giants. All in the span of eight seasons.
Hillis’ removal from the Giants is less about the money and more about the fact that this guy hasn’t done much since 2010 when he had a ‘break out’ season with over 1,000 yards and 11 TD’s. Injury and just a simple lack of productivity has relegated him to the back up role for some time. He’s still under 30.
Hillis makes about as much sense as it would be adding Williams.
At least the first two options with Jackson and Bush are partially attractive. But, when you really look at and break down the up and downsides of these guys, the are less and less desirable.
The Steelers might have options in the free agency pool, but they really need youth, speed, and a willingness to learn to keep up with Bell. That will only come through the draft.