The Steelers have signed third-round running back James Conner, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle was among those to report (via Twitter). With Conner joining fifth-round cornerback Brian Allen, sixth-round long snapper Colin Holba and seventh-round linebacker Keion Adams under contract, Pittsburgh has now signed half of its eight-pick class.
Conner, a Pennsylvania native who was among the nation’s best backs with Pitt, is now in position to make an NFL impact in his home state. Of course, the 105th overall pick also comes with an inspirational story, having bounced back from a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis (not to mention a torn MCL) in 2015 to conclude his college career with a vengeance last season. A cancer-free Conner turned in his second thousand-yard campaign with the Panthers (1,092, on 5.1 yards per carry) and combined for 20 touchdowns (16 rushing, four receiving). In parts of four seasons at Pitt, he found the end zone 56 times (52 on the ground).
With the Steelers lacking established NFLers behind starting running back Le’Veon Bell, Conner should serve as the two-time Pro Bowler’s top backup in 2017. It’s possible Conner will end up as the Steelers’ starter in 2018 if Bell walks as a free agent next offseason, but the team hopes to sign the franchise tag recipient to an extension in the coming months.
I don’t see Connor being the top back up. I suspect the Steelers will resign DeAngelo Williams
Williams is gone. They have no intentions of signing him.
He is still a FA and given Bell’s injury history I think the Steelers will bring him back
If they were bringing him back, they would have done so already. They moved on.
If any team really wanted Williams as a top backup he wouldve had a contract months ago. Connor is the backup and given that Bell hasnt made it through a whole season, either by virtue or injury or suspension, theres a good chance hes the lead back for a few games.
Le’Veon isn’t going anywhere man who made this article
Don’t c them picking back up Williams. I think Connor is the backup and they may pick up a receiving option to b a third down back in case of a bell injury