The San Francisco 49ers drafted running back Trey Sermon in 2021, believing the back would fit perfectly into the team's system. This isn't difficult to buy into when you look at the incredible production the system has gotten out of players believed to be lesser talents than Sermon.
The back would spend one lone season with the franchise before they opted to move on. Sermon would land in Philadelphia and spend one underwhelming season with the Eagles.
The veteran running back averaged 2.8 yards per carry with the Indianapolis Colts this past season. It is hard to find a job after this level of production. Making the news of Sermon's signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers something of a surprise.
Sources: The #Steelers are signing RB Trey Sermon to a 1-year deal.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 11, 2025
Sermon spent the past two seasons with the #Colts, totaling 258 yards and 2 TDs last year. pic.twitter.com/p5i3Nsw6HA
Trey Sermon's Career Will Get a Surprising Chance to Continue in Pittsburgh
Part of what makes this signing so surprising is the far more proven options remaining on the market. Household names like Nick Chubb and Ezekiel Elliott remain searching for their next landing spot, while Sermon now has his next job lined up.
It is only noteworthy for San Francisco based on the draft pick invested in the former 49er. Sermon didn't spend long enough with the team for the fan base to be invested in what happens moving forward.
Sermon has an interesting chance to win a depth role in Pittsburgh, looking at a questionable backfield. As things currently stand, the Steelers' backfield features Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell, Cordarelle Patterson, Evan Hull, Aaron Shampklin, and Jonathan Ward heading into OTAs later this month.
The Steelers are expected to be a run-heavy team with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith focusing on establishing the run at every point in his career. This serves as a chance for Sermon not only to win a role but give himself one last chance to establish a level of production that will breathe life back into a once promising career.