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Steel City Underground presents a post-2024 NFL season re-evaluation of each positional group on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster in this series, highlighting the standout player or players among each group.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to operate a run-heavy offense in 2024; Art Rooney II was determined that the black and gold would be known for relying heavily on their running backs. The results were mixed throughout the season as many opposing defenses knew Arthur Smith, in his first year as the Steelers offensive coordinator, would draw up schemes that factored-in grinding out yards the old fashioned way: by chewing up turf via the run.
Running Backs: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson, Aaron Shampklin
Harris and Warren
The Steelers opted not to utilize the fifth-year option on Najee Harris’ contract, and it certainly looked – at times – like Harris took that as a challenge. For the fourth straight season, Harris carried the ball at least 1,000 yards (263 carries for 1,043 yards in 2024). That earned the former first-rounder a spot alongside just 13 other players in NFL history to meet that mark.
Warren, a former undrafted free agent who broke onto the scene at training camp in 2022, was highly complimentary to Harris in 2024. With a different run style, Warren often provided a punch offensively and finished the season with 120 carries for 511 yards. Warren did miss two games due to a hamstring injury
Other than George Pickens, the Harris/Warren pairing scored the most yards for the entire Pittsburgh offense.
The Steelers are in a bit of a tricky situation in regard to Harris and Warren. Warren has recently been tendered, but Harris will hit the free agent market if the meetings underway with him and his agent do not go well.
Run support
Behind their current offensive line, the running backs struggled to gain big runs due to opponents stacking the box. The young line was tested often, and if the front can’t get the push necessary to open run lanes, it is very difficult to develop a rhythm in the run game. Fans witnessed this throughout last season.
To change things up, Cordarrelle Patterson was sent in but earned just 32 carries (135 yards) in 13 games. Patterson assisted – as did Warren at times – in handling kick and punt return duties.
Aaron Shampklin got just six carries when both Warren and Patterson were on the sidelines with injuries.
RBs in the passing game
Somewhat surprisingly, the Steelers utilized their running backs in pass situations often. In receptions, the top players targeted by Justin Fields and Russell Wilson were (in order of number of targets) Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin, Harris, Warren, Van Jefferson, Darnell Washington, and Patterson.
The Steelers offseason will be an interesting period as the team makes decisions on the future of their running back group. Will they re-sign Harris? Will they add a young running back via the NFL Draft?
Whatever decisions they make, they’ll need to beef up their offensive line in order to find success in the run game moving forward. Without efficient, effective blocking, the running backs – regardless of who is on the roster – will continue to struggle to gain more than three to five yards per carry.
Re-evaluation: Steelers relied heavily on running backs appeared first on Steel City Underground.