3 trades Steelers should pursue to help QB Kenny Pickett

Steelers should trade for RB D’Ernest Johnson

Theoretically, trading for a third-string running back doesn’t sound very hard. However, when you consider the quality of player the Steelers would be getting and the fact that the Cleveland Browns would have to feel comfortable enough trading D’Ernest Johnson within the division, they may be reluctant.

Still, this one could make sense for both parties. The Browns would receive an early day-three draft choice for their third running back and the Steelers would get a massive upgrade behind Najee Harris. The downside of doing so is that Johnson is on a one-year deal and isn’t guaranteed to be more than just a one-year rental.

Regardless, there’s no doubt that Johnson — a player who really came out of nowhere last year — is significantly better than anybody Pittsburgh has outside of Najee. In a backup role, Johnson earned a remarkable 5.3 yards per carry over his first three seasons. In addition, his run grade was first among all running backs last year, according to Pro Football Focus.

D’Ernest Johnson doesn’t offer much of anything as a receiver, but he’s a bruising runner with great vision and contact balance. His addition to the roster could assure that Kenny Pickett has a running game he can rely on and that won’t wear down.

There’s no guarantee that these teams would be willing to part with any of these three players. However, there are some reasons that could lead them to do so. I think all three would help improve the roster around Kenny Pickett.