2018 saw the emergence of running back James Conner. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ back made his first Pro Bowl and became the focus of the rushing attack. And when Conner was injured, the Steelers turned to then-rookie Jaylen Samuels to carry the load. But there was another running back on the roster, veteran Stevan Ridley with starting experience who was the odd man out. Now he faces free agency and could find himself on the outside looking in.
The case to keep him-Running backs with NFL starting experience aren’t easy to find. Ridley hasn’t had many opportunities with Pittsburgh but he’s proven he can handle a heavy workload in a pinch. He’s a power runner who has a role in any offense as a blunt instrument.
The case to pass-Last season we insisted on having Ridley on the team because of the inexperience of Conner and Samuels. But now, with both of them a year old it is easy to think about Ridley not being re-signed. The Steelers have a need for a change-of-pace back with elite speed and letting Ridley leave via free agency would open up a place at the end of the depth chart for them.
What would we do?
If I am in the Steelers’ front office, I give Ridley a one-year deal on the league minimum and then try to find a speed back. If the Steelers can’t find a player to upgrade the position they get to keep a solid, experienced reserve.
