5 teams who could sign Adrian Peterson for one last rodeo

James Conner is a very good running back when he’s healthy, but that latter point is the key. Even in his best season (2018-1,470 total yards, 12 rushing touchdowns), he missed three games and he missed six games last year due to multiple injuries. He’s also entering a contract year, with a lot to prove.

Benny Snell appears to have taken the reigns as Pittsburgh’s No. 2 running back with a good showing in camp, and he proved capable when he got heavy work as a rookie in Conner’s place last year. Behind him on the depth chart is rookie Anthony McFarland and passing down guy Jaylen Samuels.

The Steelers became a possible landing spot for Leonard Fournette when the Jaguars released him, but they ultimately didn’t land him. Betting on Conner to last all 16 games unscathed is foolish. Even if Snell has the buzz, to go with the assumed faith of the coaching staff, he’ll have to show an expanded skill set on the field if/when he’s called upon for the Steelers’ offense to not miss a beat.

Peterson is a quintessential old-school workhorse, with little to offer as a pass catcher when he didn’t have late-peak Brett Favre as his quarterback. But the Steelers are a sneaky sleeper to make a deep playoff run or even win the Super Bowl this year, so perhaps he’d accept a smaller role in pursuit of a ring.