The Steelers' running backs averaged just 3.8 yards in 2020 on 322 carries as the team finished last in the NFL at just 84.4 yards per game on the ground.
And now James Conner, who led the way with 721 yards on 169 carries -- a 4.3 average -- is headed toward unrestricted free agency in two weeks when the new league year begins March 17.
The returning trio of Benny Snell, Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland? They all averaged 3.4 yards per carry or less last season.
To say the Steelers' biggest need this offseason might be at running back would not be a stretch.
They might be able to address that in the draft, but simply turning things over to a rookie draft pick, but Conner, Snell, Samuels and McFarland were all selected in the past four drafts, though Conner was the lone premium pick, getting selected with a third-round compensatory selection in 2017.
The Steelers haven't ignored the position, but they haven't exactly gone all-in to acquire a star runner, either. As a result, they've had the cheapest running back room in the league the past two seasons. But, as we've seen, cheaper doesn't equal better. You get what you pay for.
With that in mind, the Steelers might want to bring in a veteran running back this year to help the roster -- or at least add a veteran presence even if they select a back in the draft. Snell and McFarland are 22 years old, while Samuels, who isn't guaranteed a roster spot, is the old man in the room at 24.
But the Steelers also aren't going to be in the market for a high-priced replacement for Conner given their cap limitations. No, they're not signing Aaron Jones. With that in mind, here are some low-cost options that would help.
Darrel Williams, Chiefs -- Williams is a restricted free agent, so the Chiefs might pick up his tender, but that will cost them $3 million. And they're in worse cap shape than the Steelers and just drafted Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round last year. Williams is good in pass protection and also is strong between the tackles. His one career start came in the playoffs against the Browns this year and he responded with 78 yards on 13 carries, catching four passes for another 14 yards. The LSU product also played for new Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada at LSU. At 26, his best football is ahead of him, even if he's used in a part-time role. His playoff experience doesn't hurt, either. A two-year deal worth $2.5 million might get it done.
Jamaal Williams, Packers -- Williams is the other half of the time share in Green Bay with Jones. The Packers selected both in the 2017 draft -- along with Davante Mays -- with Williams actually being the earliest selection as a fourth-round pick. Jones was a fifth and Mays was a seventh. Williams, 25, has started 20 games in his career and has rushed for 1,985 yards while also catching 122 passes for 961 yards. The Packers might like to have him back, but they did use a second-round pick on A.J. Dillon last year. Williams would be valuable, but he also might cost a little more, with a two-year, $3-million-or-more deal getting it done.
Wayne Gallman, Giants -- Gallman was the Giants' main replacement for Saquon Barkley in 2020 after not getting a lot of playing time in his first three seasons. And he made the most of his playing time, rushing for 682 yards and six touchdowns on 147 carries while catching 21 passes for 114 yards. At 27, the Clemson product is a little more up in age, but he's a tough runner with some good-around ability. A deal similar to that of Williams would make some sense.
Duke Johnson, Texans -- Released by the Texans just last week, Johnson is a premium pass-catching back. In fact, he's everything Samuels is supposed to be but isn't. Johnson has averaged 9.2 yards per catch on his 307 career catches. He's also averaged 4.2 yards per carry in his career, though that's not what he does best. But if he pushes Samuels off the roster, that's a net win considering Samuels carries a $984,000 salary cap hit and the Steelers can save $920,000 by letting him go.
Carlos Hyde, Seahawks -- Hyde has become something of a football mercenary in recent years, but when given the chance, he's shown he can still play. The oldest player on this list at 31, he's a former 1,000-yard rusher who played for the Seahawks last season at $2.75 million. Again, with the displacement of Samuels' salary, the true cost of adding Hyde at a similar salary would really be about $1.75 million. And he had 356 yards on 81 carries with four touchdowns last season with the Seahawks and averaged 2.3 yards after contact, the same number at which Conner led the Steelers last season.
James Conner, Steelers -- What? Bring Conner back? Sure, as long as he's no longer necessarily the "bell cow." That has proven not to work, as Conner seems to get nicked up when he's tasked with getting 15 or more touches per game. But as a veteran No. 2? That might work. Conner's market might not be as robust as he might like and perhaps a return to the Steelers could be in the cards -- if the price is right.