The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the hunt for a new running back as they gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft. This move comes after Kenneth Gainwell's departure in free agency, where he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gainwell, who was the Steelers' MVP last season, left some big shoes to fill with his 537 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and impressive receiving stats of 73 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns.
With new head coach Mike McCarthy at the helm, the Steelers are in the midst of crafting an offensive scheme that plays to their strengths. However, the quarterback situation remains uncertain as Aaron Rodgers has yet to decide on his future with the team.
Currently, Jaylen Warren is still on the roster, but the Steelers are eyeing additional talent for their backfield as the draft approaches. One intriguing prospect is Toledo's Deamonte Trayanum, who caught the Steelers' attention during his standout pro day performance.
Tony Pauline from Essentially Sports noted that Trayanum, despite not being at the combine, impressed scouts with his athleticism. Measuring in at 5-foot-10.5 and 224 pounds, he clocked a 40-yard dash between 4.52 and 4.56 seconds, ran the short shuttle in 4.18 seconds, and showcased a 37-inch vertical jump. He also demonstrated strength with 27 reps on the bench press.
Trayanum's college journey began at Arizona State in 2020, followed by stints at Ohio State and Kentucky, before he wrapped up his career with Toledo in 2025. Over six years, the 5-foot-11, 227-pound back accumulated 2,273 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. His time with the Rockets marked his best receiving season, with 21 catches for 212 yards and two touchdowns.
Adding Trayanum to the Steelers' lineup could provide a versatile option in the backfield, enhancing McCarthy's offensive strategy and offering a reliable target for whoever takes the helm at quarterback.