2013 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly looking to trade RB Jonathan Dwyer
By Matt Shetler
The Pittsburgh Steelers have addressed their running back situation by adding a pair of backs within a few hours of each other on Friday.
They started the day by signing free agent LaRod Stephens-Howling and capped it off by selecting Michigan State back Le’Veon Bell in the second round.
Dec 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer (27) runs the ball past Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) during the first half of the game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
With the likes of Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman and Baron Batch currently on the roster, the Steelers backfield has suddenly become crowded. Perhaps a bit too crowded.
One of the backs has to go and it looks like the odd man out right now appears to be Dwyer.
According to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network, the Steelers are trying to trade one of their running backs, and Dwyer may be the one to go.
Dwyer has one year left on the contract he signed as a 2010 sixth-round draft pick, and he’d be a cheap option for some team that wants to add depth at the position. If the Steelers are willing to give Dwyer up for a late-round pick, they may be able to find a taker.
The 23-year-old Dwyer played in 13 games last season, starting six, and had 156 carries for 623 yards.
He did provide a spark for a couple of weeks, but got a long enough look to prove that he’s likely not an every down back in this league.
It makes more sense for Steelers’ general manager to deal Dwyer now and get something for him- even a late-round selection- than to simply have to release him after training camp and get nothing for him at all.