James Conner just became a very rich man. Here’s why the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back was awarded for his efforts in free agency.Â
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a tough decision to let running back James Conner walk in free agency last offseason. Conner’s efficiency had taken a hit behind a struggling offensive line and the front office apparently didn’t think he was even worth the $1.25 million he was given by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.
After fighting for every yard he earned this past season and scoring 18 total touchdowns in just 15 games, Conner was awarded with a massive payday by the Cardinals. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the former Steelers running back earned a three-year deal that could net him as much as $25.5 million.
Cardinals are giving RB James Conner 3-year, $21 million deal that could grow to a maximum of $25.5 million and includes $13.5M fully guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2022
Many of you are well aware of how I feel when it comes to paying running backs. There are very few examples that show that doing this is a good use of valuable salary-cap space, and most teams that have handed out lofty deals to running backs in recent years end up either regretting the decision or looking for a way out of their contracts altogether.
Regardless of my philosophy on paying running backs, Steelers Nation has to be happy for James Conner. What a remarkable journey it has been for him!
Steelers fans happy for Conner
Countless Steelers fans and writers have already taken to social media to express their support for Conner. As you know, the road was not easy.
The Erie, Pennsylvania native played his college ball for the Pitt Panthers, and he had high hopes that he would be one of the best running backs to enter the NFL Draft when he declared. Sadly, Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2015, and his road to recovery wasn’t easy.
Conner was forced to redshirt his 2015 season and played one more year for the Panthers in 2016 before becoming a third-round pick by the Steelers in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Most didn’t think Conner would make it this far, so fans from all around the league should be happy for the success he has found in the NFL. While it’s entirely possible that (like most teams that pay running backs) the Cardinals regret this decision down the road, Conner is set for life with this new deal.
There are days when I wish the Steelers had just held onto James Conner. He’s incredibly easy to root for with an inspirational story. However, I know the Steelers would have never been willing to pay him this much. In the end, it seems like it might all work out for both Conner and the Pittsburgh Steelers.