One of the most troublesome aspects of the offense this past season was its lack of identity. It wanted to be an elite run-first offense, but it continued to fail in that département. It tried to shake things up by installing Russell Wilson into the passing game, but that got figured out within a few weeks. Arthur Smith was never able to overcome his offense's poor rushing attack.
Najee Harris is a pending free agent, and many are unsure what the team will do next.
He has been a good soldier for the Steelers but never lived up to his first-round pedigree. Finding a replacement for their former top running back shouldn't be too difficult. The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft class overflows with talent at the position, and there are some cheaper options in free agency. Providing some quantity to the position should instill hope for Pittsburgh's run game.
A.J. Dillon, RB, Green Bay Packers
If you move on from Harris, you can find discount versions of the service he provides to your offense. Harris is a running back who provides physicality to his game as he also serves as a solid all-around player. With Jaylen Warren returning, they should sign a bruising veteran. Free agency is a good spot to find a running back with that description.
Perhaps one of the better bargain options out there will be A.J. Dillon. He is a mountain moving with the ball in his hands. He would be a nice balance to what Warren provides. They would be an adequate duo that could slowly integrate a rookie into the fold. Dillon is coming off a season-ending injury that should bring him to Pittsburgh on a cheap short-term contract.
Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
Going from a cheap option in free agency to someone who might cost more with Javonte Williams.
He's had an up-and-down career during his first four years with the Broncos. While he has been their premiere back for most of his time in Denver, he has shared carries with his fellow running backs. He heads into his fifth season in the NFL without registering a single 1,000-yard rushing campaign. That is something Harris has done for the Steelers each year.
According to contract projections, Williams expects to make less money on his next deal than Harris. That makes sense since he failed to produce a season like Harris has. Williams is someone the Steelers showed plenty of pre-draft interest in. He would be someone who can handle the bulk of the carries and play a role on offense familiar to Harris.
READ MORE: 10 possible cap casualties Steelers could target during the 2025 offseason
J.K. Dobbins, RB, LA Chargers
It is hard to find any other running back with a better comeback campaign than J.K. Dobbins. Almost every member of the Chargers team had a great year, and Dobbins provided a spark to their offense. Their rushing attack was something that helped elevate their offense to new heights. The pending free agent will be ready to get rewarded with a nice contract in free agency.
Even though Dobbins struggled with injuries in his career, he has been consistent when healthy. He is coming off his best statistical campaign after compiling 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Dobbins has not been able to get to the 1,000-yard mark in a season yet, and his lack of participation in the passing game is a concern. He appears to be someone Mike Tomlin likes.
Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns
The best way to hurt your rival is by stealing their talent to infuse star power into your roster.
It appears Nick Chubb's best days on the football field might be over, but he has an entire offseason of preparation in front of him. He was one of the best running backs in football before he suffered a catastrophic injury at the hands of Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2023. He returned halfway through this past season but never looked up to speed.
Hitting the free agency market at this point in his career seems cruel. The Browns still like him, but it might be in the best interest of both parties to find new ground. The Steelers need to show interest in this star player. Taking a gamble on him might be in their best interest. There could be a massive payoff if Chubb can return to form on a short-term deal.