Pittsburgh Steelers: Knile Davis Is Needed Insurance At Running Back

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:07 p.m. ET

Fansided, Russell S. Baxter/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

The Pittsburgh Steelers put the franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell this offseason. Now they add a big-play performer to their backfield and special teams.

When discussing the best running back in the NFL, Le'Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers is one name you will hear early on. While his off-the-field issues cloud his overall reputation to a point, his on-the-field impact has been simply astounding.

When the versatile performer wasn't available in recent years, either due to injury or suspension, veteran DeAngelo Williams has been a solid fill-in. At the moment, Bell is the recipient of the exclusive franchise tag and the team hopes to eventually work out a long-term deal. On the other hand, Williams is a free agent. That doesn't mean the Steelers don't want him back.

So, general manager Kevin Colbert adds running back Knile Davis. As usual, he began the season with the Kansas City Chiefs but was dealt to the running back-starved Green Bay Packers in October. Let go after a couple of games, he got a brief glance from the New York Jets, but never played with the team. Davis returned to the Chiefs, but only to see occasional duty.

A third-round pick from the University of Arkansas in 2013, the 25-year-old performer enjoyed his best season in 2014. He totaled 610 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns.

Perhaps the biggest impact Davis has had is on special teams. Including his 106-yard jaunt for a score on the opening play of the game against the Houston Texans in the 2015 AFC Wild Card Playoffs, the former Razorback owns three kickoff returns for touchdowns in his career.

It's an area that the Steelers look to improve. This past season, they use a variety of players to remedy the situation: From running back Fitzgerald Toussaint to wide receivers Sammie Coates and Cobi Hamilton to cornerback Justin Gilbert—who is no longer with the club.

An experienced big-play component, Davis will help the team in terms of improved field position. And that's a scary thought for Pittsburgh opponents. Another younger set of legs in the backfield doesn't hurt as well.