5 pending free agents Steelers shouldn’t bother re-signing

James Conner

Feiler was the success story while James Conner is the hometown favorite. His story is well known, Erie native that thrived at Pittsburgh in school before beating cancer and finding success at the NFL level. While it would be great to retain him and keep him as the starter, the team doesn’t have a line that he can succeed behind. As well, his price tag will likely jump given his past success.

While his injury concerns are there, he is a very talented complete back. His long speed isn’t great, but he can catch the ball, runs with a physical edge, and protect the quarterback as a blocker. Very few backs have that overall ability. His injuries likely make him a rotational back right now, but he could find success in that role if it helps him preserve his body.

While he won’t break the bank for whoever signs him, his cost will be too expensive for the Steelers. Ideally, he goes to a backfield where he can play 60-75 percent of the snaps and be complemented with a faster running back behind him. Unless he is willing to return for the minimum, his cost will be too high for the Steelers. It would be nice to have him back, but the team has to put that money elsewhere this offseason.