3 free agent running backs that could stimulate the Steelers offense
The Steelers have a feature running back, but they need to get him some help. Here are some free agent options that could offer that in 2022.
While the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams prepare to battle for the Vince Lombardi trophy, teams who share their conferences have begun evaluating their rosters. Despite having to watch the end-of-season festivities from home, an early start to the preseason could benefit franchises in multiple ways. For franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers, the additional time off will be spent looking for solutions to the offensive issues.
Running the football has helped the Pittsburgh Steelers gain an identity in the National Football League. This offensive approach allows Pittsburgh to control the time of possession, putting their fate in their hands. In 2022, the Steelers rushing attack seemed to be missing a step. According to ESPN.com, the Pittsburgh Steelers finished twenty-seventh in the league in rushing. The addition of Najee Harris was a step in the right direction, but the Steelers might explore an effective two-back system.
Leonard Fournette
2021 Season Stats: 8 Rushing Touchdowns (tied 10th)
3,810 Career Yards Rushing & 31 touchdowns
Having a strong rushing attack can impact the game of football in more ways than one. Power backs in the National Football League help the offense control the tempo of the game. Committing to dispense a heavy amount of physical punishment has been the style of rushing that veteran rusher Leonard Fournette thrives in. Since joining the league in 2017, Fournette has made a name for himself by running behind his shoulder pads.
Playing for five years in the National Football league is tough for any player responsible for taking and delivering physical punishment. Players like Leonard Fournette understand that physicality is a part of the game. According to ESPN.com, Tampa Bay’s veteran bruiser accumulated an astonishing one hundred and eighty carries during the 2021-2022 regular season. His 4.5 yards per carry average served as Fournette’s best yards per carry average since the 2019 season.
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers benefitted from having the skillset of Leonard Fournette on their roster. Fournette’s reliability was reflected in the team’s season stats. In his fifth year, Leonard Fournette led the Buccaneers in total rushing yards and attempts.
His eight hundred and twelve yards on the ground were three hundred and eighty-four more than their second-leading rusher Ronald Jones II. If the Steelers plan on keeping Najee Harris as their primary power rusher and want to add another piece of power, Leonard Fournette is a great option.