Jacksonville Jaguars: James Conner could be perfect backup running back
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a stud in James Robinson and should make him an important part of their offense in 2021 just like they did last season. However, they need to balance his workload and avoid overworking him. For that reason, they should get him a backup and James Conner will be one of the best ones available in the open market.
Conner is scheduled to become a free agent and it’s unlikely the Pittsburgh Steelers will re-sign him, as they are currently $7 million over the cap, and even if they got some breathing room, it’s unlikely they will keep the Pennsylvania native, as cornerback Mike Hilton or EDGE defender Bud Dupree rank higher in their priority list.
A third-round pick in 2017, Conner has appeared in 50 games and has racked up 532 carries for 2,302 yards and 22 yards over his four-year career in ‘Steel City’. His best season came in 2018, when he made the Pro Bowl and tallied 215 carries for 973 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s averaged 4.3 yards throughout his career and would be a solid addition to the Jaguars’ running back room.
Conner would be the perfect complementary back for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Although Conner is not a top-echelon running back, he’s a reliable one that could spell Robinson from time to time and start a few games in case the Illinois State product missed time with injuries. It’s rare for running backs to break the bank in free agency and only the top ones get paid handsomely in the open market.
The ‘Jags’ could use a second or third-round selection on North Carolina’s Michael Carter or a Day 3 pick on Virginia Tech’s Khalil Herbert in 2021’s draft. However, if they want to devote their selections to address other positions, they could offer Conner a three-year $16 million salary in free agency.
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The Jaguars’ surplus of resources will give them the flexibility to take different approaches when filling their roster needs, and if they don’t want to use their draft picks on a running back, Conner should be at the top of their free-agency wish list.