The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired more running back depth with veteran Travis Homer on Monday. Homer, though, could contribute in several different areas for Pittsburgh.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday the Steelers signed Homer to a contract. The full details of the deal were not initially disclosed.
The veteran running back has seven years of NFL experience. With the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears, Homer posted 474 rushing yards and 475 receiving yards in 85 games.
While that’s obviously not a lot of production, it’s somewhat impressive the running back has been featured enough in the passing game to have more receiving yards than rushing.
On special teams, Homer has returned kicks in the past. He has also lined up as a gunner regularly in his career.
In the NFL, Homer has played about twice as many special teams snaps as offensive snaps.
During the 2019 draft process, Homer faced questions over his vision and physical traits. But the running back received praise for already possessing professional-level toughness.
“While he can make tacklers miss, his lack of vision sometimes takes him to trafficked areas when optimal routes are available,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “He’s a little undersized, but runs big and he already possesses NFL-level toughness in pass protection.
“Homer has his flaws, but he’s a smooth athlete with a chance to outplay his draft slotting. His value as a punt gunner and third-down option gives him a chance for early reps right out of the gate.”
Steelers Sign RB Travis Homer: Report
DK Pittsburgh Sports also didn’t have the financial terms of Homer’s contract just after Schefter’s report. But the Pittsburgh sports website detailed why the Steelers were interested in signing the veteran running back.
“While Homer is a running back by trade, the former sixth-round pick out of Miami (FL) in 2019 excels as a core special teamer,” wrote DK Pittsburgh Sports’ Chris Halicke. “Last season with the Bears, his third in Chicago after four in Seattle, he recorded 10 total tackles (eight solo, two assists) in 106 total snaps on both kick and punt coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.
“He has 49 career tackles in seven NFL seasons, nearly all of them coming on special teams. He also has two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his career.”
Halicke also made reference to Connor Heyward in his analysis. The Steelers lost Heyward to the Las Vegas Raiders in NFL free agency.
Homer has a little bit different skillset. He doesn’t play full back or tight end. Homer also isn’t likely to line up behind center for Pittsburgh’s version of the “tush push” as Heyward did last season.
But Homer can provide receiving and rushing depth while playing special teams as Heyward did.
The Steelers also lost former All-Pro special teams player Miles Killebrew this offseason.
Will Homer Impact Steelers 2025 3rd-Rounder Kaleb Johnson?
The Steelers appear to be adding Homer to primarily play special teams. Based on the current running back depth chart, Homer will sit at No. 4 behind Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle and Kaleb Johnson.
But the Steelers signing Homer could still negatively impact Johnson.
The team tried to use Johnson in a special teams role as a returner last season. The experiment failed miserably.
If the Steelers don’t see Johnson playing regularly on offense because of Warren and Dowdle, the team could easily dress Homer and not Johnson on game days. Homer will provide a lot more skills outside of playing running back, which is what a depth RB needs to do.
“Homer’s presence will create another roadblock for Johnson as things are starting to stack against him,” wrote Steelers Depot’s Josh Carney.
Steelers Add Tough, Versatile Veteran RB: Report