4 free agent running backs the Steelers must look to sign

2. James White, New England Patriots

During Tom Brady’s career, he made use of several check-down options including Dion Lewis, Leonard Fournette, Giovanni Bernard, and others. However, the one that became the most synonymous with receiving back for Tom Brady was James White.

White found success with both Cam Newton and Mac Jones after Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but obviously, his most successful seasons were early in his career. While he suffered a hip injury that caused him to miss most of last season, assuming he can return healthy, White should return to being one of the most reliable third-down running backs in the NFL.

As mentioned with McKinnon, White is smaller and shiftier than Najee Harris, and thus serves as a nice compliment to Harris. However, unlike McKinnon, if Harris were to go down, he likely wouldn’t be able to handle a full workload. Rather, his snap share would increase, while he would split work with a bigger running back, such as someone like Benny Snell if he returns next season.

Since he is coming off an injury and is on the wrong side of 30, White could come at a discount, which would be ideal for Pittsburgh who has many holes to fill this offseason and wouldn’t want to invest top dollar in a number two running back.