Why the Pittsburgh Steelers should consider signing LeSean McCoy

A native of Pennsylvania, the free-agent could add some experience to the Pittsburgh Steelers offense.

Prior to the start of the 2020 offseason, some felt like the Pittsburgh Steelers might attempt to add some new members to their running back room.

Pittsburgh did actually end up adding some new pieces to their offensive backfield this year. However, their new additions (Anthony McFarland and Ralph Webb) are not going to improve the amount of experience the Steelers are currently lacking when it comes to their running backs.

James Conner has the most experience of any current rusher on Pittsburgh’s roster and he’s only been in the NFL since 2017. So in an effort to improve their ground game in 2020, the Steelers should consider bringing in a veteran free agent who is very familiar with the Steel City.

The Pittsburgh Steelers should bring LeSean McCoy back home.

When looking at some of the veteran running backs who still haven’t been signed this offseason, there are some pretty notable names. Devonta Freeman, Marshawn Lynch, and Lamar Miller are among the top free-agent backs who could still land with a team before the start of the 2020 season.

Another veteran rusher who is still available is former University of Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy. After a nice run with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills, the 31-year-old McCoy spent last season with the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite his age, he could still provide some value to a team like the Steelers in 2020. Pittsburgh isn’t looking for a new starter for next season and McCoy is pretty aware that his best shot at remaining in the NFL involves him being a second or third option in a team’s offensive backfield.

With the Chiefs last season, McCoy ended up starting in nine games. He ended the year with 646 total yards (465 rushing) and 28 catches while averaging 4.6 yards per carry and scoring five touchdowns.

McCoy would not only be a good player to add because of his experience, but he would also probably be a better No. 2 option behind Conner compared to who the Steelers currently have as their backup running backs.

If Conner has to miss time in 2020, Pittsburgh will need help from a bunch of unproven rushers like Benny Snell and McFarland. At least with McCoy being the No. 2 option, the Steelers would pretty much know that they have a backup who has proven to be reliable in the past.

Even though McCoy has been one of the highest-paid running backs in NFL history, it likely wouldn’t cost Pittsburgh much to bring him in. Adrian Peterson is scheduled to make around $2.5 million this year and it would be shocking if McCoy was able to sign a deal that would pay him more than that in 2020.

At the very least, the Steelers could invite the former Pitt Panther to this year’s training camp and see if he’s still got what it takes to make the final roster. No team can ever have too much experience and his addition could prove to be valuable in the development of some of Pittsburgh’s younger running backs.