When the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to waive running back Baron Batch on Monday, it left them with six running backs on their 75 man roster. Only one of those six running backs, however, is under contract past this season and that is of course second-round draft pick Le’Veon Bell.
The Steelers have a long-standing tradition of not negotiating contracts once the regular season gets underway, so should they not sign Isaac Redman to an extension over the course of the next week and a half; they will likely have to look to the 2014 NFL Draft and free agency next offseason in order to rebuild their depth at the position.
Former undrafted free agent Alvester Alexander hasn’t necessarily set the world on fire in his limited playing time during the preseason and while he might just wind up on the practice squad to start the season, he really has no long-term upside.
The Steelers will take a wait-and-see approach with Felix Jones and LaRod Stephens-Howling, assuming both make the final 53 man roster.
If the Steelers really feel like Redman can be the backup to Bell beyond this season, they will likely try to sign him to a modest extension prior to the season opener. If, they don’t, Bell will be the last man standing after the season is over and he can expect to see different faces when the team shows up for the start of their 2014 OTA practices.
