The Steelers have plenty of needs they need to address before the offseason is over, but one of their needs is being overlooked.
The Steelers have a plethora of needs entering the NFL Draft including quarterback, offensive line, slot receiver, safety, and linebacker. While all of those needs are important, there is one need the team must address that very few are talking about, running back.
While running back is not as big of a need as many of the positions listed, it is definitely a position the Steelers must address before the start of the 2022 NFL season.
Steelers need depth behind Najee Harris
While Najee Harris proved he is more than capable of handling the load last year as a rookie, the Steelers showed how much their offense relied on him. Harris was the unquestioned focal point of the offense and rarely came off of the field. Harris was integral in both the passing game and the running game and should improve this year with improved play from the offensive line.
However, it became evident when Najee Harris got hurt on the opening drive of the Week 18 game against the Ravens, that if Harris were to go down with an injury the offense will stall. Obviously, it is hard to replace a player as talented as Harris, but the Steelers didn’t do themselves any favors by not adding any legitimate depth to the running back room. Benny Snell, Kalen Ballage, and Anthony McFarland were the depth options that the team employed last year, and none of them have proven that they can handle the load if asked to.
If the Steelers have any goals of being successful next year, they must add a capable backup to the running back room. Ideally, the backup will not only be able to fill the void if Harris were to get hurt but also, can serve as a complementary option to Harris.
Getting someone who can compliment Harris and spell him, will keep Harris fresh, and make it more likely that he stays healthy the whole year. According to Pro Football Reference, Harris led the NFL in touches last year with 381, and while he can still be heavily involved, that number must go down in order to keep him healthy.
There are still free agents available for the Steelers to sign
While the team could use the draft as the way to add their backup running back, the best avenue for this position is free agency. There are plenty of cheap veteran options still available in free agency that can not only spell Harris but also fill in when he misses games.
Jerick McKinnon and Tarik Cohen are two options that make sense from a complementary perspective. Both are speedy and athletic running backs who would serve as perfect compliments to Najee Harris and could play some in the slot as well. McKinnon makes more sense because of his ability to hold the load for a game or two as the top back if needed, but Cohen is just a complementary running back.
Other running backs such as Darrel Williams, Devontae Booker, Sony Michel, and Devonta Freeman are all potential options who make sense as backups to Harris. Each has shown that they can handle the load as the number one option in recent years.
While none of them will put up the same production as Harris, the running game won’t go completely stagnant if the team has a player like one of them start for a game or two. Of these options, Williams makes the most sense as he showed an ability to run between the tackles, as well as do damage as a receiver for Patrick Mahomes this season.
Clearly, the Steelers need to add someone to the running back room before the start of next season. While they could do so through the draft, the team has many other needs and should use their draft selections on those needs. Instead, they should sign an inexpensive veteran who has experience and can truly help the team by ensuring Harris isn’t the sole option.