Nothing seems to motivate NFL players more than a contract year.
Steelers running back Isaac Redman received a one-year contract in restricted free agency worth $1.3 million. That's a nice chunk of change for a former undrafted free agent who's been paid less than pretty much everyone else on the team with his level of production.
According to Tribune Review reporter Mark Kaboly, Redman shed 10 pounds this offseason, down from his playing weight of 230 last season, and is hoping to lose five more by the start of training camp.
Perhaps carrying less baggage will make him a bit quicker. Also, perhaps it will make him more nimble, like one of his main competitors in the battle for carries this season, second-round pick Le'Veon Bell.
Either way, the Steelers can expect a slimmed down Redman this year. Whether that affects his power and strength remains to be seen.
No word on whether the third horse in the race, Jonathan Dwyer - a player with past weight issues - is aiming for something similar, but the quicker stable of backs in Todd Haley's offense could be exactly what this team needs, coming off one of the poorest rushing seasons it's had in two decades.