Former member of the Pittsburgh Steelers turned UFL standout may be in line for a second chance
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't really into reunions. Usually, once you're off the team, that's it. Ask Le'Veon Bell how his request to retire as a Steeler is going. But for former Steelers RB and returner Anthony McFarland, breaking that trend could be possible. Bring McFarland Back? After being released early on during the 2023 season, […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't really into reunions.
Usually, once you're off the team, that's it. Ask Le'Veon Bell how his request to retire as a Steeler is going.
But for former Steelers RB and returner Anthony McFarland, breaking that trend could be possible.
Bring McFarland Back?
After being released early on during the 2023 season, McFarland would go on to join the San Antonio Brahamas of the UFL, recording nearly 600 total yards and four total TDs as running back and WR.
A fourth-round pick in 2020, McFarland could never find his footing with the Steelers. Injury or unforeseen circumstances, he was a burst of energy in the RB rotation and more than stable as a returner.
And for the Steelers, they have precedent when it comes to spring leagues, having signed Hakeem Butler after his XFL stint in 2023. Butler was unable to make noise in a crowded WR room and was released after training camp.
Now, the RB room in Pittsburgh is more stacked than ever. Survey the depth chart and you see obvious names like Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, but veterans LaMichael Perine and Cordarrelle Patterson are new to the group, and that's before the crop of youth.
But for McFarland, his way back to the roster is via special teams. Sure Pittsburgh signed Cordarrelle Patterson just hours after the NFL passed the new kickoff rule, but that may not to go plan.
Patterson, who was signed thanks to both his familiarity with OC Arthur Smith and his potential Hall of Fame prowess as a kick returner didn't have the best spring. Patterson was open and candid to reporters at the end of minicamp, plainly saying he wasn't in great shape.
"I'm probably a two out of 10 right now, but when I get to camp, I'll be an eight out of 10. When camp's over, I'll be a 10 out of 10. How about that?" Patterson told Post-Gazette Sports at minicamp when asked about how his body feels.
So look, I'm not going to say Patterson should be a cut candidate for Pittsburgh, but how many out of shape returners do you think are in the NFL?
Hint: Not many.
McFarland would show up in shape, we know that much. If he receives another chance is what's to be determined.
