5 realistic free agent options for Steelers on a budget

James White, running back

The Steeles are rarely a team to explore household names at the running back position, and while James White is a Super Bowl-winning back, he certainly doesn’t fit this description. At 5’10” and 205 pounds, White has never been a dominant runner between the tackles (or even a feature back, for that matter). However, he is exceptional on third down and as a receiver.

Pittsburgh is all too familiar with White – a player who has scorched their linebackers in the passing game for years. Now 29 years old, the Patriots running back may not have the same wiggle he once did, but he comes at a very reasonable price. According to projections from Spotrac.com, White could be had for $3 million.

While this might seem like a good bit for a running back who is not an every-down player, the Steelers could use a veteran leader in the backfield and he excels on money downs. White isn’t a workhorse replacement for James Conner, but he could be a much-improved version of Jaylen Samuels who could also serve as a weapon for Big Ben on passing downs.

It will be interesting to see how much cap space the Steelers will clear before the start of free agency. However, with none of these names requiring great money in free agency, these five players could be on Pittsburgh’s radar this offseason.