Mike Tomlin doesn’t do fluff. When he speaks, Steelers fans listen. So when he praised Najee Harris at the end of the season, everyone assumed an extension was a done deal. Four straight 1,000-yard seasons? That’s franchise running back material. Or at least, that’s what Pittsburgh’s fanbase thought.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about the Steelers, it’s that business always wins over sentiment. Harris is out, signing a one-year, $9.25 million deal with the Chargers. And now, the Steelers have a major problem—who’s going to carry the rock in Pittsburgh?
Tomlin’s answer? Nick Chubb.
Chubb is no stranger to Steelers fans. They still have flashbacks of the 2021 Wild Card game, where he shredded Pittsburgh’s defense for 145 yards and a touchdown. But that was years ago. Since then, Chubb has been through the wringer—an MCL and ACL injury in 2023, a broken foot in 2024. He’s played just 10 games in two years.
So, is he still the powerhouse back that once dominated the AFC North? Or is Pittsburgh about to sign a guy whose best years are behind him?
#Steelers have an interest in adding Nick Chubb. pic.twitter.com/80NzsgEpNL
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 11, 2025
When healthy, Chubb is one of the most efficient and explosive backs in the league. His 2019 season was legendary—1,494 rushing yards, second only to Derrick Henry. Over his career, he’s earned four Pro Bowl nods. The talent is undeniable. But can the Steelers trust his durability?
The Steelers are at a crossroads. They could take the safe route, draft a young running back, or find a cheaper free agent with less injury baggage. But Tomlin isn’t known for playing it safe. If he believes Chubb has anything left in the tank, Pittsburgh might take the gamble.
The bigger question—does Tomlin even have the final say? Ownership just let Harris walk, and they didn’t seem too concerned about Tomlin’s preferences. They also let Justin Fields go to the Jets for a 2-year, $40 million deal, even though Tomlin reportedly wanted to keep him. If Tomlin is pushing for Chubb, will the front office actually listen?
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Even if the Steelers want Chubb, they’re not the only ones. The Raiders and Broncos are also in need of a veteran running back, and if they throw the right offer, Chubb might not even make it to Pittsburgh. The Steelers would need to act fast.
And Then There’s the Aaron Rodgers Wild Card…
As if the running back situation wasn’t enough, there’s another massive rumor floating around—Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh? It’s still just speculation, but if the Steelers make a serious move for the four-time MVP, that changes everything. A Rodgers-led offense would likely be more pass-heavy, making the need for an elite running back slightly less urgent.
Steelers fans have seen this story before—taking a chance on an aging, injury-prone star and hoping for a resurgence. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. If Chubb is even 80% of what he once was, he could be a game-changer. But if he’s lost a step, Pittsburgh could end up regretting this move.
So, Steelers fans, what’s the bigger priority—rolling the dice on Chubb or going all-in for Rodgers?