The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ended a few weeks earlier that they had planned it to, but now that their 2015 campaign has drawn to a conclusion, it’s time to wrap things up and take stock of where they are and how they got there. Part of that process involves holding player exit meetings at the conclusion of each season.
Of course, we’re not privy to the specifics that go on in each of these meetings between head coach and player, and whomever else might be involved in any particular discussion, but if we were conducting them, it might go something like this.
Player: Jordan Todman
Position: Running Back
Experience: 4 Years
Jordan Todman spent the previous three seasons playing a moderate role out of the backfield, where he did a little bit of everything, including kick returns. But in 2015 he hit restricted free agency, and Jacksonville wasn’t interested in tagging him.
He was picked up by the Panthers, but in spite of the fact that he played well during the preseason, he did not make the roster in a crowded backfield. The Steelers were one of the teams he played against, however, and they signed him after he was released.
Pittsburgh was, of course, in the market for a short-term backup to DeAngelo Williams while Le’Veon Bell was suspended for two games, but plans changed over the course of the year, and Todman played less of a role than he could have.
The four-year back only got one carry in garbage time during those two games before being reduced to sideline observer after Bell returned, but he was back to being the backup after Bell’s injury. Still, he saw very limited work, and after another couple of games, he lost even that role.
During the bye week, the Steelers promoted Fitzgerald Toussaint from the practice squad. Then, after a game or two, he was given a game day helmet over Todman. That remained to be the case for the home stretch of the regular season.
But things changed once again after Williams too suffered an injury in the regular season finale. That foot injury knocked him out of the Steelers’ two playoff games, and with just Toussaint to rely upon, Todman actually did get in some work in those games.
Todman received 11 carries in the Wildcard game, gaining 65 yards, including a 25-yard run, and in general he looked good with the ball in his hands, showing off a good quick step and nice burst. But he did fumble once, even if it rolled out of bounds.
In the Divisional round, Todman received even less work, getting just five carries for six yards against one of the stingient run defenses in the league. Toussaint also struggled in that game, including a costly fumble, though he did score a touchdown.
Toussaint, however, is under contract for the 2015 season, and was the back that they went to when Williams went down. They also went back to him after the fumble. Todman is hitting free agency. Will the Steelers be interested in bringing him back?
