Doesn't look like there is much money out there for running backs.
NFL's new year and free agency officially kicked off at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack has signed a 1-year deal worth $2 million.
That begs the question, if Mack signed for only $2 million, what does that mean for other running backs on the market, including James Conner and former Steeler Le'Veon Bell
Last week NFL Insider John Clayton said Conner wouldn't get more than $3 or $4 million.
"it's going to be hard even for the starters to get starters money in free agency," said Clayton.
And it looks like he was right.
Mack ran for over 1,000 yards but his momentum was halted after he tore is Achilles in the first game of the 2020 season in the 2nd quarter against the Jaguars. He had four carries for 26 yards. Mack will back up Jonathan Taylor in 2021.
So Conner is still on the market and so is Le'Veon Bell…just sayin'.
With the Steelers offensive line being shuffled and in flux and Bell getting older, it might not make sense to have a reunion.
Bell signed a $1 million deal with the Chiefs last season after being released by the New York Jets.
The 29-year-old ran for 328 yards with 2 touchdowns between the two teams in 2020.
But if both sides are able to put aside their egos and Bell comes back on the cheap, it may work. He knows the offense and signing a one-year deal could be a way to revitalize his value. That's a big if though.
The Steelers last pick of the second day of the draft, James Conner quickly became the Steelers starting running back after Le'Veon Bell left following Conner's rookie season.
Conner rushed for 973 yards in just 12 starts in 2018 with 12 touchdown, also caught 55 passes for 497 yards. A breakout season which appeared to settle the Steelers running back question and landed Conner in the Pro Bowl.
Struggles with injury in 2019 getting only 116 attempts for 464 yards and a third of the touchdowns from the previous year. Conner again dealt with injury in 2020, but was the Steelers leading rusher with 721 yards at 4.3 yards per carry.
