NFL free agency 2021: Best running backs available

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 16: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 16, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 22: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 22, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. James Conner

Drafting Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland makes it clear the Steelers are ready to move on from Conner. That might prove to be a mistake for a Pittsburgh offense that needs to surround Ben Roethlisberger with as many weapons as possible.

Conner deserves credit for bouncing back from an injury-plagued 2019 season to play 13 games in 2020. He still struggled with some nagging injuries last season, but he still managed to rack up 721 yards on 129 carries. Throw in 215 yards on 35 catches and it’s easy to project Conner as someone who can be an efficient part of a two-headed backfield.

The key for any team interested in signing Conner is to avoid the temptation to overuse him. He’s not built to be a battering ram that carries the ball 250 times per season. It’s very possible his production will increase if he’s only asked to carry part of his new team’s workload.

The other thing working against Conner in free agency is his lack of explosion as a ball carrier. He’s not a home run hitter by any stretch of the imagination. Even so, he consistently shows the ability to create extra yards on every touch. A smart team is going to give him a solid contract this offseason.

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