5 free agent running backs Steelers should sign before camp

Todd Gurley

If the Steelers really wanted to transform their offense into a run-heavy scheme, adding Todd Gurley would be a coup. While injures are his primary concern, he wouldn’t be asked to be the lead back. In most games, he probably wouldn’t touch the ball more than ten times. Meanwhile, he would easily be the best back on the roster besides Harris. The team could transition into a more run-heavy one that can still throw to one of the myriad of receivers that the team has.

Gurley is coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro last year, and a lot of that was due to the Falcons as a whole struggling on offense. This should keep his overall cost down, although he will likely want more than the minimum. The real issue would be that he wouldn’t be the starting back if he signed with the Steelers. While in most cases that would keep him away from the team, a lighter load could go a long way for him considering how injury-prone he has proven to be.

Though he will likely wait until training camp injuries begin piling up to sign a deal, the Steelers wouldn’t be a bad fit for him if he was willing to play for cheap. He has a nose for the end zone as well, meaning he could step in as the goal-line back as well as functioning as a rotational lead back on some drives. His name is the least likely on this list given the fact that Harris is set to lead the way for the team, but if the Steelers really wanted to commit to having a better rushing attack, adding a capable player like Gurley makes a lot of sense.