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Redskins: 3 teams that should make trade offers for Rob Kelley

By Jacob Camenker

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins cuts back against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins cuts back against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have a top-heavy running back depth chart. It features Le’Veon Bell, a true three-down starter with excellent receiving and running ability, at the top. And behind him, former third rounder James Conner is entering his second season with the team and averaged 4.5 yards per carry as a rookie.

However, behind that duo, the Steelers don’t have much. Fitzgerald Toussaint is more of a special teams player while Stevan Ridley was signed to provide veteran insurance last offseason. Ridley hasn’t done much since the Patriots got rid of him, so it’s safe to assume that he won’t be much of a factor.

Given Bell’s injury history and his knack of being banged up in the playoffs, it will be important for the Steelers to add some depth behind him to make sure the team will be okay if he goes down again. Conner could be the starter if Bell gets hurt, but having another capable back as insurance would be sensible.

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Kelley would be an ideal fit in this circumstance. Kelley could pair with Conner to ensure the duo stays fresh. Kelley could see some action on early downs while Conner would handle a bulk of the load and handle some third down work as well. For the price of a late round pick, it would be worth it for the Steelers to have another strong back who is capable of carrying the load.

Kelley’s ability to grind out yards would likely appeal to the Steelers as well. He’s not likely to emerge as a starting candidate should Bell go down, but he could help Conner to wear down opposing defenses. And with the other offensive weaponry the Steelers have, that would do a lot to open things up for their receivers and tight ends.

The Steelers may not look to acquire more help at running back now, but if they aren’t confident in their position group during training camp and the preseason, Kelley is a guy who should be on their list. And Washington would probably be happy to get some compensation for them if it appears that he is losing the camp battle.

And also, it’s worth noting that Bell has been franchise tagged by the Steelers this offseason. So, it’s possible that he could try to leave in the near future. And if he does, Kelley would at least provide extra depth for the team as they search for a replacement.

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