Arizona Cardinals Running Back James Conner Emerges as Early Trade Prospect

The NFL trade deadline is approaching, and speculation is building around potential player movements. Among the players mentioned in these discussions is James Conner, the running back for the Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.

The Cardinals bolstered their backfield by signing Tyler Allgeier during free agency and selecting Notre Dame standout Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick. Conner, who has proven to be a valuable asset for Arizona with back-to-back seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards in 2023 and 2024, faces uncertainty as he turns 31 and recovers from a significant season-ending injury. With only one year remaining on his contract, his future with the team is in question.

This past spring, Conner accepted a pay cut, indicating he may still be part of the Cardinals' plans. However, the depth chart suggests that a trade might be necessary to resolve the surplus of running backs on the roster. If Conner struggles to secure carries, teams in need of a dependable veteran could pursue him, particularly the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants, both of whom sought running back assistance earlier this offseason.

Conner's experience and leadership could be appealing to a contending team, potentially making him a more attractive trade option than Benson, who has faced challenges with injuries over the past two seasons. As the Cardinals evaluate their roster, it remains to be seen how Conner will fit into their plans moving forward, especially with Allgeier and Love likely leading the offensive charge.

As the NFL season approaches, keep an eye on the evolving landscape of running back needs across various teams, as trades could reshape rosters in the coming weeks.