Report: Dolphins Showing Interest in James Conner

The Miami Dolphins are reportedly eyeing Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner in free agency, according to NFL Insider John Clayton.

Joining The PM Team on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday, Clayton said Miami is interested in the former Pro Bowler, who is hitting free agency for the first time in his career.

Clayton also expects Conner to sign a deal in the $3 million to $4 million a year range.

.@JohnClaytonNFL says on @937theFan the Dolphins are interested in signing James Conner. Clayton expects him to sign for $3-4 million a year.

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) March 10, 2021

Miami’s interest in Conner makes sense. The Dolphins have some of the most cap space available in the league and are looking to surround second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with weapons.

They are looking to improve upon a run game that finished 22nd in the league and failed to produce a 600-yard rusher.

Conner’s production has dropped significantly over the last two seasons after a Pro Bowl campaign in 2018 that saw him rush for 973 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Conner rushed for 721 yards and six scores in 2020.

While injuries certainly played a factor, Pittsburgh’s inability to run block absolutely played a factor in Conner’s drop in production.

Conner was selected in third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Pitt. He attended McDowell High School in Erie. Conner earned his lone Pro Bowl nod in 2018, his first season as the starter.