The Steelers have left just about no place on the roster untouched this offseason, and the operating again group isn’t any exception. Having skilled one more one-and-done postseason exit, they’re making an attempt absolutely anything to attain extra favorable outcomes. With daring swings through commerce, shrewd free-agent signings, and a transparent draft precedence, the 2025 Steelers are taking form.
With coaching camp quick approaching, it’s time to go over the Steelers’ roster to see the place we’re and the way we acquired right here within the first place. This has been an offseason arguably not like another for the group, that includes main turnover. They’ve gone by way of a lot change, it feels crucial at the moment to take inventory earlier than we transfer on.
Place: Working Again
Whole Positional Determine: 7
Additions: 3
Deletions: 2
Gamers Retained:
Jaylen Warren: The Steelers are paying Warren over $5 million, and he needs to be their lead operating again. He’ll virtually undoubtedly play probably the most snaps, however may rookie Kaleb Johnson end with extra carries? Some are predicting that, however this can be recency bias.
Not solely is Johnson the obvious tailored Pittsburgh Steelers operating again, Warren is coming off a 12 months of wrestle. He handled a number of accidents and we didn’t see the perfect of him. However he has skilled this offseason each getting ready for an even bigger position and to forestall harm, so we’ll see.
Kenneth Gainwell: Signed for not way more than the minimal, the Steelers are reportedly excessive on this free agent operating again. No less than that’s how reporters discuss what coaches have stated to them about Gainwell. However how massive of a job do they really envision for him? Even OC Arthur Smith talked about how he isn’t only a operating again, however what does that appear like in apply?
Cordarrelle Patterson: In some unspecified time in the future this offseason, each Steelers beat author will need to have questioned why Patterson continues to be on the operating again depth chart. Or on the roster in any respect, to be extra particular. They signed him final 12 months to return kicks, however he was among the many worst within the NFL at it. The Steelers might save a pair million by releasing him, they usually have three different operating backs.
Evan Hull: The Steelers signed Evan Hull to a Reserve/Future deal so as to add to the operating again room. In contrast to most of their Reserve/Future signings, he wasn’t on the apply squad. A former 2023 fifth-round choose, he has one NFL carry for one yard, and one six-yard reception.
Gamers Added:
Kaleb Johnson: Is Kaleb Johnson the Steelers’ operating again of the longer term? Whereas he didn’t time exceptionally effectively, his sport tape has them satisfied he’s the explosive runner they want. An Iowa product, he’s a tough employee and desires to grasp his craft. He’s following Warren round making an attempt to be taught go safety, however how shortly can he take over?
Max Hurleman: Hurleman is an attention-grabbing participant for the Steelers, as a result of he isn’t only a operating again. In line with not less than one beat reporter, he was truly working at huge receiver within the spring. As with a variety of the fellows on this record, although, his actual place must be “particular teamer” to make this roster.
Trey Sermon: A former third-round choose, Trey Sermon has pedigree, however not the NFL resume to assist it. In 4 seasons, he has 505 speeding yards on 134 carries. And he hasn’t performed a lot on particular groups. The Steelers simply dumped a operating again they drafted within the first spherical, so pedigree don’t imply diddly
Gamers Misplaced:
Aaron Shampklin: Imagine it or not, however Shampklin truly performed operating again for the Steelers final 12 months. He had six carries for 17 yards, and likewise performed a handful os particular groups snaps. However he’s not with the crew anymore, and certainly not with any crew.
Jonathan Ward: One other operating again with a little bit of an NFL resume, the Steelers not too long ago launched Ward. He performed in 4 video games final season, speeding for 22 yards on 5 carries.
Notes and Camp Outlook:
The Steelers have largely rebuilt the operating again room, even with Jaylen Warren nonetheless right here. He’s, in fact, in a unique position, the RB1 now that Najee Harris is gone. However coaching camp will likely be vital for the remainder of the room, particularly Kaleb Johnson. Rookies must apply to be able to play, so he’ll must earn enjoying time.
There’s a potential roster battle at operating again, although, the Steelers needing to resolve on Cordarrelle Patterson. Gainwell is one participant who might probably take over his returner position, so if they’ve one other kick returner, what position stays for him? Is there something he does uniquely as a operating again that one other on the roster doesn’t? Even if you wish to argue his receiving background, they’ve tight ends—together with Jonnu Smith—for that.
