Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Should Sign Tiki Barber

Four years removed from the NFL and Tiki Barber has decided to put the ol' jockstrap back on. 

I don't know if there is much genuine interest around the league for a 35-year-old running back, but all things equal, it would be in the Steelers' best interest to sign Barber.

Not only would Barber bring with him a veteran presence, but he is out to prove something—he isn't a pretty boy or a quitter. He does the small things, too, which will make him an even more invaluable asset. He's comfortable having to pass block in the shotgun set, and with the Steelers, he'll get plenty of chances, with a still suspect offensive line and an unpredictable quarterback in Ben Rothlisberger.

So, he may not have the speed of Chris Johnson or the power of Adrian Peterson, but Tiki could provide a secondary option to running back Rashard Mendenhall and give the Steelers some fresh legs to pound the ball out on the ground with. 

The thing that intrigues me most about Barber is his pass-catching abilities. 

In New York, he was a consistently, dependable target.  In 10 seasons with the New York Football Giants, Barber averaged 59 catchers and 518 yards a season. The guy keeps himself in good shape, too, so I don't think there would be any problems with his physical conditioning. 

If he comes for a cheap price, it is an option that the Steelers' front office needs to seriously consider.

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