ESPN Analyst Highlights Tyler Allgeier as a Potential Trade Target

The Atlanta Falcons opted not to retain running back Tyler Allgeier during free agency, instead signing veteran Brian Robinson Jr. to serve as a backup to Bijan Robinson for the upcoming 2026 season. Allgeier, a fifth-round selection from BYU, secured a two-year contract worth $12.25 million with the Arizona Cardinals. However, his situation quickly became complicated when the Cardinals drafted running back Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which has hampered Allgeier's chances for a prominent role on his new team.

In Arizona, Allgeier will face competition for playing time from Love, James Conner, and Trey Benson. ESPN has ranked the Cardinals' running back corps as the most improved in the NFL as they head into 2026. Analyst Ben Solak has suggested that Allgeier might be a trade candidate due to the crowded backfield. "With the drafting of Love, Allgeier becomes an interesting trade candidate," Solak noted, also mentioning potential teams that could be interested in acquiring him.

Among those teams, Solak pointed out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are dealing with injuries to running back Bucky Irving, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose backfield, featuring Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr., lacks depth. Despite the Cardinals signing Allgeier just a few months ago, he may attract offers if they decide to explore trade options.

Allgeier demonstrated his capabilities as a lead back during his rookie season in 2022, amassing 1,035 rushing yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Nevertheless, the Falcons selected Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick in 2023, altering Allgeier's trajectory. At just 26 years old, his performance as a starting running back makes him a candidate worth considering for teams in search of depth. Since entering the league in 2022, Allgeier has accumulated 2,876 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, yet his carries have diminished to under 150 in the past two seasons.