Ahmad Bradshaw continues another week on the free agency market, however it looks like his time without a team could be coming to an end sooner rather than later. The market for a veteran running back is anything but strong, but Bradshaw is finally getting serious consideration from teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been keeping a close eye on the running back since the offseason began and look to be ready to negotiate a deal with him.
Bradshaw originally met with the Steelers over a month ago and took a physical for the team, but left without a contract offer. The team was unsure about his overall health after the running back had surgery in the offseason on his right foot. It was the third surgery since 2009 that Bradshaw has had on his right foot. The team did not want to sign him until he proved to be fully recovered. Now, they are bringing back Bradshaw prior to the draft and look to be ready to commit to the veteran.
Bradshaw has proven to be a tough running back. In his six seasons in the league, he has suffered numerous injuries that have prevented him from ever becoming a premier runner in the league. However, injuries ranging from neck and knee problems throughout 2012 did not stop him from rushing over 1,015 yards, the second highest total in his career. But the foot surgery sealed the deal for the New York Giants and the team decided not to re-sign him for 2013.
The Steelers are in desperate need for a running back. They lost Rashard Mendenhall to free agency and have yet to fill the void with a quality player. The team is also considering drafting a running back in the second-round. Alabama's Eddie Lacy is considered the top back in this year's draft class. If Pittsburgh waits until the second round to try and draft him, he may already be gone.
The Cincinnati Bengals are the other team in hot pursuit of Bradshaw. They have met with several free agent running backs including Felix Jones in an attempt to upgrade their ground game. Last year, Bengals starting running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for 1,094 yards.
The Steelers are going to sign Bradshaw, it will be within the next two weeks whereas the Bengals have the luxury of waiting until after the NFL draft to see if he is still sitting around.