The depth of the Steelers backfield is a bit thinner today, after it was announced on Friday that reserve running back Jordan Todman signed a deal to play with the Colts next season.
- Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
As far as free-agent defections go, this one shouldn’t sting the Steelers. Fact is, with All-Pro Le’Veon Bell and accomplished veteran DeAngelo Williams as the first and second-string running backs heading into 2016, there wouldn’t have been many hand-offs available for Todman–and that’s if he could have beaten-out the promising Fitzgerald Toussaint for third-string on the depth chart.
After arriving in the NFL in 2011, Todman, 26, had brief stays in both Minnesota and San Diego during his rookie season, before landing in Jacksonville in 2012. In three seasons with the Jaguars, Todman rushed for a combined 450 yards and scored three touchdowns.
- After signing with the Panthers last offseason, Todman was cut right before the start of the regular season, and the Steelers quickly added him to their roster.
After only rushing for 22 yards during the regular season, Todman was suddenly thrust into action during the playoffs, when DeAngelo Williams, who rushed for 907 yards in place of the first suspended and then injured Bell, suffered a severe ankle injury in Week 17.
Teaming up with fellow reserve running back Toussaint, Todman rushed for a combined 71 yards in two postseason games, as Pittsburgh advanced to the divisional round.
A journeyman and career backup up to this point of his career, maybe Todman will finally find a way to contribute extensively as a member of the Colts.
Free agency go your head spinning? Check out our Steelers 2016 free agent tracker and/or click here to read all articles on our Steelers 2016 Free Agent Focus section.