4 free agent running backs the Steelers must look to sign
By Scott Long
4. Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals
Arguably the most intriguing option for the Steelers to compliment Najee Harris is Chase Edmonds. Edmonds is an extremely athletic running back, who has shown an ability to contribute both as a runner and a receiver in his time in Arizona. He has been utilized in the slot at times and could be a valuable addition to the Steelers offense who liked to use Ray-Ray McCloud in several packages last season, and would be getting a player who could do similar things, but at a much higher level, and having the capability of playing in the backfield as well.
According to Pro Football Reference, Edmonds had his best year as a rusher in 2021, registering 592 rushing yards and two touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Meanwhile, his best year as a receiver came a year earlier, as he caught 53 passes for 402 yards and four touchdowns. Edmonds will be entering his age 26 season, and with experience as a rusher and receiver, his best years may still be ahead of him.
Whether or not he can expound upon these numbers given an expanded role remains to be seen, but if the Steelers are able to find a way to add him to their roster, they may be able to save some money on a slot receiver, bringing in a cheap veteran, while allowing Edmonds to play some snaps in the backfield and some in the slot. His capability as a rusher was also demonstrated while in a time-share with James Conner this season, as he proved he could more than hold his own if Harris went down.
While he would be the most dynamic option, and most useful to the Pittsburgh offense, his age combined with his dual-threat ability make him the most expensive of the bunch and thus the least likely. He possesses many similar traits that McKinnon has, but he is younger and has a cleaner bill of health and thus will be in higher demand.
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Whoever the Steelers decide on remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, the Steelers need to add someone to the running back room this offseason. There is no depth behind Najee Harris on the roster, and if he were to go down with an injury the Steelers will be in a bind. Any of these options make sense as a signing and other options exist as well.