Steelers Tabbed as Landing Spot for All-Pro Running Back

The rumor mill persists, even as football kicked off on Thursday night. Some marquee names could be up on the trade block at some point this season, guys with contract questions like Mike Evans, for example. However, one surprising name is Derrick Henry, but Bleacher Report thinks he could be on the trade block. While that is fine and dandy, Kristopher Knox, who wrote the piece, has the Steelers being a sleeper team to acquire Henry.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers could provide a sneaky-good home for Henry this season,” Knox wrote. “Pittsburgh won nine games a year ago, has an improved roster on paper, and should get a little more out of second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. If the Steelers start fast, they could look to go all-in on a playoff run. Running back Najee Harris has been a serviceable dual threat but has struggled to generate room on the ground (3.9 career yards-per-carry average). Adding a dominant ball-carrier like Henry would finally give Pittsburgh a complete offense.”

The Miami Dolphins were named as another team that could land Henry. However, the Steelers make little sense in this scenario. While they could add an outside running back at some point if not satisfied with Anthony McFarland, Najee Harris, and Jaylen Warren create a formidable duo that does not carry Henry’s contract. If this trade did happen, Harris would almost certainly go back in the deal, which does not seem like a deal that is even on the radar right now.

The Steelers rely upon their running game; however, a trade for an expensive running back, no matter how good Henry is, does not seem to be in their plans. Pittsburgh is still finding out who they are this season, and for multiple reasons, a marquee trade of this magnitude does not make much sense for the Steelers. Take it with a grain of salt, and Henry will likely find another home if the Titans want to go their separate ways with the All-Pro running back.