Pittsburgh Steelers: Predictions for key contracts that expire in 2021
By Samuel Teets
James Conner, RB
Conner is a beloved player in Pittsburgh. He went to college there and underwent a lot of adversity to reach where he is today. However, his feel-good story does not define him on or off the field. Frankly, his on-field performance was unacceptable in 2019. Other factors contributed to Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles, but Conner did not play well.
His poor 2019 campaign followed a year where he somewhat successfully replaced Le’Veon Bell. Conner made the Pro Bowl in 2018 by rushing for 74.8 yards per game and adding 38.2 receiving yards per game. However, he dealt with some injuries and concerns about his durability translated into 2019.
A year after amassing 113 yards from scrimmage per game, Conner only produced 71.5 and missed six games with injuries. The Steelers need to figure out their running back situation and Conner’s health moving forward so they can know what to do in 2021.
Conner seems like a player worth re-signing when his rookie deal ends, but the team needs another year to determine how much he is worth. If the Steelers don’t re-sign Conner, then they’ll start the search for a franchise running back all over again.
Predicted action – extended
Ramon Foster, LG
Originally an undrafted free agent from Tennessee, Gilbert made Pittsburgh’s roster in 2009. While he played in games during his first two seasons, he didn’t become a full-time starter until 2011. 2020 will be Foster’s 12th season in the NFL and with the Steelers.
In March 2019, Foster signed a two-year, $8.25 million extension so that he could stay with the team. Foster turned 34 this month, meaning he’ll be 35 years old by the free agency period in 2021.
Most offensive linemen who have as much experience as Foster begin to fade by that point in their career. Players like Marshal Yanda are exceptions. Some people would say Foster is already starting to show his age and that is time in Pittsburgh is at an end.
There’s a real chance Foster doesn’t make it to his twelfth season with Pittsburgh. Considering how terrible the running game was in 2019, the Steelers may try to find his successor and save some cap space by releasing the veteran.
Predicted action – released in 2020