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The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of overhaul and changes coming this off-season. Depth is needed at many positions both on offense and defense. One thing however is for certain, Najee Harris‘ NFL career will not be prolonged if he has a workload like he did this past season year after year.
Everyone wants a workhorse as a running back and Harris is just that, but it would be comforting to have another solid guy in the running backs room who has experience, playmaking ability and can step in if Harris is injured. The draft is not somewhere I expect the Steelers to look for running back depth. A trade is even less likely. This brings us to free agency which could have some potential suitors at reasonable prices. The key is reasonably priced. The Steelers aren’t going to go all in to grab the most expensive free agent running back. So, a Pittsburgh reunion for James Conner or a big splash with Cordarrelle Patterson or Leonard Fournette are not realistic. However, the Steelers would be doing a disservice to the offense if they didn’t take a look at the following ball carriers:
1.) Sony Michel
Michel is due to be a free agent and rushed for 845 yards for the Los Angeles Rams this season. The team was plagued with injuries at the position and Michel stepped in, playing in all regular season games. At 26 years old, he certainly still has football left in him and would be an immediate upgrade from Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. Michel has only lost three fumbles in his career and although young, has playoff experience in his time with the New England Patriots and now the Rams. He is not expected to have a high price tag and would be a perfect compliment to Harris in the background. Michel could turn into a true #2 running back and be an important addition.
2.) J.D. McKissic
I love what I saw from McKissic this season in Washington. He will never be a starting running back, but if you ask me to choose between him, Snell and McFarland? I’ll take McKissic 10 times out of 10.
While his stats aren’t eye opening, he served as a great compliment for Antonio Gibson and stepped in to start when Gibson was injured. McKissic isn’t going to make or break the Steelers offense, but the deal he signs will be inexpensive and he has proven that he can be a formidable backup in the NFL. His rushing attack isn’t what separates him, however. If Matt Canada wants to continue to call screen passes on third down, why not throw them to a back who caught 53 catches for 397 yards in 2021? He averaged 9.2 yards per reception. To put that in perspective, Harris averaged 6.3 yards per catch.
3.) Marlon Mack
Mack’s potential was completely forgotten about after two years of injury and then Jonathan Taylor‘s dominance. With that said, the Steelers aren’t going to spend money on a guy like Melvin Gordon III. If Mike Tomlin does decide to go after a running back in free agency, it will be an experienced guy with a lower asking price. Mack rushed for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns back in 2019. Although his injuries the last two years are definitely a concern, I think he is worth the risk at a low price. No one is asking him to be a feature back after two injury-plagued years. But, again, would I take him over Snell and McFarland? Yes. Absolutely.
Who do you think the Steelers should target to bolster their running game? Let us know in the comments below!
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