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5 reasons DeAngelo Williams is a perfect fit for the Steelers

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

DeAngelo Williams will be visiting the Steelers tomorrow. The team was on the lookout for a backup to Le’Veon Bell after releasing LeGarrette Blount with 5 games to go in the regular season last year, and the former Panther is the first running back to be linked to the Steelers this offseason. There is no need to look any further, and this is why:

Last season showed the need for a reliable backup RB

When Le’Veon Bell went down in week 17 against the Bengals last season, Steelers fans were holding their breath. Not only was Steeler Nation worried about the health of their newly-elevated star running back, fans also had no idea about who would be carrying the ball out of the backfield in the playoffs if Bell was to miss the match against the Ravens. When the team released LeGarrette Blount after he left the sideline before the end of the Titans game, the organization decided not to bring in someone else and to instead sign Josh Harris from the practice squad. The coaching staff probably felt comfortable riding Le’Veon Bell "until the wheels come off," as Mike Tomlin likes to stay. What they did not expect was for those wheels to come off only 5 weeks later, at the dawn of the playoffs. Ben Tate was brought in as a temporary solution, but didn't do enough to prevent the lack of a reliable running back rom proving extremely costly during wild card weekend.

Someone in the organization had to realize that the same mistake could not be made twice, and that the Steelers need to bring in a reliable backup to Bell. DeAngelo Williams is the all-time leading rusher for the Panthers, and has nothing left to prove. At age 32, he probably can’t take the same amount of carries he used to in his earlier years, but he can definitely make a heck of a number 2 option.

Bell will be suspended for 2 to 4 games

The Steelers may not have planned on having to deal without Le’Veon Bell last season, but at least they know that they'll have to do just that in 2015. Bell is facing a potential four-game suspension after being charged with a DUI last year, although most reports suggest that the suspension will likely only last two games. Whatever the number of games missed, the Steelers need someone to step in and provide a credible option while Bell remains sidelined. No one could realistically be asked to put up the kind of numbers the former Michigan State Spartan puts up on a regular basis; the backup would only need to attract enough attention from the defense to open up the passing game and leave the result up to Ben’s arm and Antonio Brown’s talent. Whether he starts for two, three or four games, DeAngelo Williams can provide that.

Le’Veon Bell is still young and needs guidance

Ideally, the role of veteran players in the NFL as they get older goes beyond being a reliable backup. They should also provide guidance for the younger players, and that's exactly what the Steelers are looking for in this case. Considering his production last season, it is easy to forget that Le’Veon Bell will only be entering his 3rd NFL season and that he only just turned 23. Bell is already one of the best backs in the league, but he still has to learn in order to get to the top and behave like an NFL superstar. DeAngelo Williams has been in the league for 9 years, and by all accounts is a model citizen and locker room leader.

Steelers want to stay away from off-field trouble

After LeGarrette Blount was involved in last year’s incident that will result in a suspension for the star running back this year, the Steelers probably feel that Bell needs some guidance or at least no distraction from his backup, and DeAngelo Williams is right at home among the classiest players in the NFL. While Blount is known for his fights, punches and marijuana arrests, Williams has been highly involved in raising awareness on breast cancer, his family having been severely impacted by the disease. Williams is very active on social media, but only to share the importance of raising his little girl as best he can. With DeAngelo Williams around, Le’Veon Bell is less likely to repeat the mistake he made last year.

DeAngelo won’t pull a Blount if he gets zero touches

Dealing with backup players is not easy, as they tend to want more playing time and be more involved on game days. This was perfectly illustrated by LeGarrette Blount getting frustrated in week 11 after seeing Le’Veon Bell getting 30+ touches, while he did not get to carry the ball a single time. Blount left the sideline, and we all know how that story ended.

Actions like that will not be an issue with DeAngelo Williams, as he has been sharing the Carolina backfield with Jonathan Stewart since 2008. At that time, Williams was at the high point of his career, but was not offended by the Carolina Panthers bringing in another running back in the first round of the 2008 draft. Instead, he embraced the excitement around his new partnership with the former Oregon back. Fullback Mike Tolbert was also in the mix and received a healthy amount of touches, particularly near the goal line. Yet, Williams showed no sign of frustration and there is no reason for him to act any differently in Pittsburgh.

Steeler Nation, if Williams signs a contract with the Steelers on Friday, you have every reason to be excited.

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