Tag: 2024 Steelers roster

ESPN ranks Steelers running backs outside Top 10 in NFL

Do the Steelers have one of the top running back tandems in the NFL?

All reports coming out of Pittsburgh Steelers OTAs are that the new offense under Arthur Smith is going to be run first, run heavy and lean on running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren along with the revamped offensive line.

ESPN’s Mike Clay ranked all the running back positional units in the NFL and had the tandem of Harris and Warren, along with Cordarrelle Patterson and Aaron Shampklin as the No. 11 unit in the league.

Last season the Steelers were the No. 13 rushing offense in the NFL, Harris finished with 1,035 rushing yards and Warren chipped in 785 more. Most of the team’s struggles on offense centered around the quarterback position so the hope is that the additions of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson will help Harris and Warren as much as anything.

Is this ranking too low? Based solely on talent, probably so. But based on the inefficiency last season, it is more than fair. This tandem has a chance to be among the best in the NFL this season which should quiet all the critics and naysayers.

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Steelers other roster needs could mean a trade of RB Najee Harris

The Steelers might trade Najee Harris before he hits free agency.

The more we think about the situation between the Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Najee Harris, the less inclined to believe Harris will be on the team after this season. We even wonder if Harris will even make it to the trade deadline this season.

Harris has been everything as advertised after being the Steelers first-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Despite underwhelming offensive line play, Harris has topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last three seasons. A feat no other running back in the league has accomplished during that same stretch.

But Harris is on the wrong end of the business side of things. Running backs are grossly undervalued in the NFL and Harris is on the wrong end of a running back by committee with Jaylen Warren. Warren is a younger, cheaper and more explosive option on the roster and has proven to be capable to carry the run game.

Taking it all a step further, it might not just be a case of the Steelers not re-signing Harris after the year. With some definite roster needs, Harris might end up part of a trade during training camp for a team that could use a power back and might have a wide receiver they could part with.

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