Rookie minicamp gives NFL teams a first look at their newest players practicing together, but it also serves as a chance to evaluate experienced free agents. The Pittsburgh Steelers took advantage of that opportunity by bringing in veteran running back for a tryout.
Sermon impressed during the camp and earned a one-year deal with the team, according to FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Most recently with the Indianapolis Colts, He rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns on a career-best 56 carries in 2024. The 26-year-old has previously spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles.
In college, Sermon averaged 6.5 yards per carry over three seasons at Oklahoma and one at Ohio State. His standout year came in 2020, when he tallied 870 rushing yards and four touchdowns with the Buckeyes, averaging 7.5 yards per carry.
Steelers Sign RB Trey Sermon: Report
Although Trey Sermon never reached 1,000 rushing yards in a college season, he entered the NFL with high expectations. The San Francisco 49ers selected him 88th overall in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Many analysts believed Sermon would thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, which had a track record of turning unheralded running backs into productive players—something Shanahan’s father, Mike, also excelled at during his time coaching the Broncos and Washington in the ‘90s and 2000s.
In 2021, Sermon was part of a crowded 49ers backfield that included Raheem Mostert and rookie Elijah Mitchell. He got starting opportunities in Weeks 3 and 4, but his role diminished soon after. An ankle injury in Week 12 sent him to injured reserve.
The 49ers waived Sermon the following preseason during final roster cuts.
He was picked up by the Eagles and appeared in just two games in 2022. Over the next two seasons with the Colts, Sermon dressed for 31 games, though most of his playing time came when others were sidelined due to injury.
In 2023, Sermon showed promise in limited action with Indianapolis, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. His standout game came in Week 15 against the Steelers, when he rushed for 88 yards.
However, the following season saw a dip in production, as Sermon averaged just 2.8 yards per carry—a career low.
Steelers RB Depth With Sermon Addition
Much like his time with the Colts, Trey Sermon may get a chance to contribute for the Steelers this season. However, he’ll face stiff competition in a crowded Pittsburgh backfield.
Although the Steelers lost Najee Harris in free agency, they retained restricted free agent Jaylen Warren and brought in Kenneth Gainwell in March. Veteran Cordarrelle Patterson also remains on the roster.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh added Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson with the 83rd overall pick in the third round.
Other veteran backs on the offseason roster include Aaron Shampklin, Jonathan Ward, and Evan Hull.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has a prior connection to Patterson from their time together with the Falcons in 2021, which could give Patterson an edge. Still, Patterson underwhelmed in his first season with Pittsburgh, opening the door for Sermon to possibly secure a depth role if he impresses during the summer.
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