The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to wrap up their running back search by the end of the week. The team does not need a starter. They have that in second-year pro Le'Veon Bell. However, there is not much behind Bell and after missing out on both James Starks and Rashad Jennings, the Steelers have been left with veterans to trust for 2014. Head coach Mike Tomlin calls the signing a priority.
Bell was strong as a rookie so Pittsburgh has no need to panic about finding another quality starter. In his first year, Bell led the Steelers with 860 yards rushing off 264 carries for eight touchdowns. Pittsburgh only had nine rushing touchdowns all season. He was responsible for 62 percent of the run game. The second-leading rusher, Jonathan Dwyer, left for Arizona in free agency, leaving Tomlin concerned over depth.
"We need to have depth in that area and we will in the not-too-distant future, whether it's in free agency or the draft," Tomlin said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "We're looking to add depth at that position, and a guy of that caliber, a been-there, done-that type of veteran, will be an asset for us."
Maurice Jones-Drew was the first target for the Steelers. Pittsburgh brought in the veteran for a visit last week and appeared ready to sign him. Despite his recent struggles, Jones-Drew is considered the best available running back on the market outside of Knowshon Moreno. However, Jones-Drew is reportedly demanding upwards of $3 million per year on a multi-year contract. The Steelers are not willing to give a veteran that amount of money and let Jones-Drew leave without signing.
Jones-Drew could grow desperate and lower his demands. The longer he sits on the market, the less likely it is he will sign. The Steelers insisted the door is still open for him, but at the right price. Several teams including the Patriots and Dolphins have already said they are not interested in the veteran running back, leaving Pittsburgh as the best option.
LeGarrette Blount is now the favorite to sign with the Steelers by the end of the weak. The former Patriots running back is coming off a career-high score with 772 yards and seven touchdowns. He would be the perfect back to run in tandem with Bell all next year.
The Steelers decision will come down to Blount or Jones-Drew. Whichever running back demands the least amount of money will win out.