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Steelers Signing Productive Veteran Running Back To New Deal

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Brogan Noey | Last updated May 11, 2025 1:55 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers began their rookie minicamp on Friday, and a part of that is bringing in some veteran players on a tryout basis. This was the case for veteran running back Trey Sermon, and he seemed to impress as he signed a one-year deal with the team on Sunday. Sermon has plenty of experience in the league, and he could be a good addition to the offense. He is at the least a good back to have on the practice squad.

The Steelers running back room is pretty crowded after the addition of Sermon. Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson are l ikely going to be the two lead backs , while Kenneth Gainwell is the other lock to make the final roster. The team only kept three running backs on the final roster going into the 2024 season, but if that number increases it will come down to Cordarrelle Patterson, Trey Sermon, and Jonathan Ward. The news of Sermon's signing was originally reported by Jordan Schultz.

Sources: The #Steelers are signing RB Trey Sermon to a 1-year deal.

Sermon spent the past two seasons with the #Colts, totaling 258 yards and 2 TDs last year. pic.twitter.com/p5i3Nsw6HA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 11, 2025

This guarantees Sermon a shot to impress at training camp in Latrobe, but it is no guarantee that he will make the final roster. Sermon spent the last two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, and he accounted for roughly 34% of his production on the ground with the Colts in one single game against Pittsburgh in 2023.

Sermon was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he has bounced around since coming into the league. He was with the 49ers for just one season before being waived, but he was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles and he spent the the 2022 season and part of the 2023 season there. He found his first real home in the NFL with the Colts, but now he will be looking to make a name for himself with the black and gold.

The veteran running back was wearing the number 27 throughout rookie minicamp, but that is going to have to change as Cory Trice Jr. wears that number.

Steelers Could Be Gearing Up To Get Rid Of Patterson

Patterson was signed by the Steelers during the 2024 offseason, but he had a rough season in 2024. His age was visible as he lacked explosiveness, and he was among the worst kick returners in the league. It is a bit of a shock he is still on the roster, but maybe the addition of Sermon will allow the team to release him. Both Sermon and Johnson have some experience returning kicks, so there really isn't much of a need for Patterson on the roster.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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