NFL Free-Agent Signings: Pittsburgh Steelers Are Best Fit for Mike Tolbert

In a free-agency period dominated by big names like Peyton Manning, Mario Williams and Vincent Jackson, running back Mike Tolbert might be one of the biggest steals in the free-agent pool.

ESPN is reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the running for the bruising back from San Diego. This would be a huge addition for Pittsburgh and could put them over the top in the AFC race. 

The Kansas City Chiefs were serious contenders for Tolbert before signing Peyton Hillis, and the Chargers have since dissolved from the picture after adding Le'Ron McClain.

Tolbert has had an exhaustive free-agency period, as more than 10 teams have contacted him. The Steelers, however, are a perennial Super Bowl contender and shouldn't have much trouble convincing Tolbert to come in and save their running game.  

The Steelers were poised for another deep playoff run and possibly their third Super Bowl championship in the Ben Roethlisberger tenure before losing Rashard Mendenhall to a torn ACL just before the playoffs. 

They were forced to start un-drafted second-year pro Isaac Redman against the Denver Broncos, who, at the time, had only notched three career touchdowns. Their offense was one-dimensional and "Tebowmania" dissolved them from the playoffs. 

With Mendenhall expected to start the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list, Pittsburgh desperately needs a solid back to carry the load. 

Tough-nosed, bruising backs have a way of being successful in Pittsburgh (see: Jerome Bettis), and it answers a significant need for the Steelers.

Historically, this isn't a team that makes noise in free agency, but Tolbert shouldn't be demanding top dollar after being picked over by a few teams. 

Carolina is reportedly in the hunt for Tolbert as well, but they already have a decent backfield and shouldn't be able to out-bid the Steelers.