Steelers Rumors: Stevan Ridley Re-Signs with Pittsburgh on 1-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers will retain running back Stevan Ridley after re-signing the veteran to a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Ridley only appeared in two games for Pittsburgh last season, but he finished the year with 108 rushing yards on 26 attempts and one touchdown.

He initially signed with the team in mid-December after rookie James Conner went down with a knee injury. He saw his first action in Week 16 but got the start in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns with Le'Veon Bell and others resting for the playoffs.

The 29-year-old earned 17 carries that game compared to just five for Fitzgerald Toussaint.

While Conner will likely remain above Ridley in the depth chart when healthy, it's clear the veteran will have some value on this roster.

Of course, the need for depth at running back is even more important because of the uncertainty surrounding Bell. The All-Pro was placed under the franchise tag for the second straight season but has been unable to agree upon a long-term deal.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, Bell said on Instagram he doesn't plan to skip the 2018 season but will at least hold out during training camp as he did last year.

Ridley hasn't been a full-time player since 2012 with the New England Patriots when he totaled 1,263 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. However, he has played for four teams in his seven-year career and should be a solid contributor in 2018.