3 veterans the Steelers should replace in the NFL Draft

2. James Conner

Conner is another big-name Steeler that’s headed for free agency this offseason. Unlike Dupree, there seems to be a decent chance that Pittsburgh retains him by giving him a long-term deal. Conner will be looking for a healthy raise over his 2020 salary of just over $1 million.

The Steelers should staunchly avoid the temptation to overpay Conner on the open market. He’s a talented, versatile running back who gives the team solid production when he’s healthy, but availability isn’t exactly a strong suit for the 25-year-old rusher.

To put it bluntly, the Steelers can find someone capable of giving them similar production in the later rounds of this year’s draft. Benny Snell can serve as the team’s primary runner between the tackles which will allow Pittsburgh to search for another versatile back later in the draft.

Rolling the dice on someone like Memphis star Kenneth Gainewell in the middle rounds or even Oklahoma State standout Chuba Hubbard in Round 5 could provide the Steelers with a back who can give them a big boost in 2021.

Pittsburgh should only bring Conner back on a new deal if he’s willing to give them a big discount. Otherwise, they should move on to a rookie with more upside.