Raiders Try Out former Steelers Running Back

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell is trying out with the Las Vegas Raiders during the team’s minicamp this week, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. 

Snell, 25, had played his entire four-year career in with the Steelers since joining the team as a fourth-round draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

The 5-foot-10, 224-pound running back was known for his powerful running style, dubbed “Benny Snell Football,” during his time at Kentucky. 

With the Steelers, snell started strong in 2019, but faded throughout the rest of his career. He rushed 108 times for 426 yards (3.9 yards per carry ) and two touchdowns as a rookie backup to James Conner in 2019.

In 2020, Snell started three games behind in place of Conner and rushed 111 times for 368 yards and four scores. His playing time fell further in 2021 when the Steelers drafted Najee Harris. Snell rushed 36 times for 98 yards.

Last season, he was passed on the depth chart by undrafted rookie Jaylen Warren. But despite his reduced role, Snell stepped up in the Steelers’ road win over the Indianapolis Colts.

A free agent for the first time in his career this spring, Snell did not attract significant interest from around the league.

The Steelers have not replaced him on their roster, as 2022 practice squad players Anthony McFarland and Jason Huntley are currently the top options to be the third-string back behind Harris and Warren.

The Raiders are in need of some help with Josh Jacobs holding out and threatening to not play on the franchise tag. Snell has experience and could be a guy that could fill in whenever the Raiders need him. It would be a solid move for the Raiders, adding a sure special teamer and a guy who has the necessary things to be an NFL capable running back. Jacobs vowed to not return for a long time.