Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Bargains to target in 2019 NFL free agency

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 2: Ty Montgomery #88 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

3. RB Ty Montgomery (Baltimore Ravens)

The Pittsburgh Steelers played the 2018 season without running back Le’Veon Bell, now one of the newest member of the New York Jets. This past season, second-year pro James Connor showed his versatility as he attempted to fill the void left by the absence of the Pro Bowl performer. And as Mike Tomlin’s team committed more to the run during its midseason surge, he was very much up to the task.

Conner led the club with 973 yards on the ground, to go along with a dozen touchdowns. The 2017 third-round pick also finished third on the club with 55 catches (off 71 targets), good for 497 yards and one score. But he missed three games late in the year due to injury and had some issues hanging on the ball at times (four fumbles, two lost).

Jaylen Samuels was effective in his limited playing time during his rookie year, the bulk of his action coming in a Week 15 win over the New England Patriots. But there is little depth elsewhere and veteran Stevan Ridley is an unsigned free agent.

Of course, so is Ty Montgomery. Originally a third-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2015, he was dealt to the Baltimore Ravens last October. A wide receiver/turned running back, the former Stanford Cardinal could off coordinator Randy Fichtner’s offense a little versatility.

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