The Pittsburgh Steelers don't currently have a long-term answer at the quarterback position. The organization is waiting to hear from 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers about the 2025 season, but no one is sure what is in store for the franchise after that. Another area that has questions is running back. Jaylen Warren is set to be the lead back, but it is very possible that the team selects a ball-carrier in the 2025 NFL Draft as well. Altogether, it is anyone's guess as to who will be the starter for years to come, making the upcoming campaign intriguing for fans.
No one is quite sure why Cordarrelle Patterson is still on the roster, specifically because he had a very inconsistent 2024 season for the Steelers' offense. Drafting a running back is almost a guarantee, but the team will also give chances to other players if Patterson doesn't stay on the team in 2025. It's certain that a selection and Warren will be the top two backs along with Kenneth Gainwell, but practice squad guys are going to be important as well.
The United Football League (UFL) is an interesting follow, and hundreds of players head there in the hopes of getting to the NFL. Some of these guys have never had the chance, while others played at the highest level, only to not be successful enough to hang around. A former Steelers running back had a phenomenal season opener for the Arlington Renegades on Saturday, and Pittsburgh could keep an eye on him as a potential practice squad addition late into the summer.
Kalen Ballage last played in an NFL game in 2021, and that was a campaign in which he suited up in all 17 contests for the Steelers. He didn't get on the field that often, but was good enough to dress. His recent outing for the Renegades did not just feature the longest run in UFL history, but also a total of 110 yards on the ground on just nine carries. He might be an underrated training camp addition for Pittsburgh if his strong play continues.
It would be looked at as a long shot for Ballage to make the team, especially if a rookie is in the mix, but there's no harm in taking a chance on a guy that has previous experience with the organization and is in good form. He will continue to play for the Renegades, and then look to join an NFL team once the UFL season is over. He could sign with a team right around the start of training camp.
The Steelers have a goal internally to be a run-first and run-dominant team. Carries can only be given to so many guys, but if Ballage looks good throughout the spring and has some special teams prowess, he could have a strong case to make an NFL roster. Given the Steelers' running back room (if the team decides to draft one), he might not have a place in the Steel City. That doesn't mean, however, the franchise isn't closely watching one of its former players dominate the UFL.
Steelers Are Hoping To Have Dominant Rushing Attack In 2025
Regardless of who is in the room, Pittsburgh certainly wants to win in the trenches in 2025. If the offensive line can perform consistently, the team will have a chance to put up a lot of points. The ball-carriers will look to have open holes and room to run. Ballage may not fit into the franchise's plans, but if he has a formidable campaign in the UFL, he just might be worth taking a chance on come July.
