Over the last few years, it is safe to admit that the Arizona Cardinals have had their fair share of ups and downs in terms of talent joining and leaving the organization. However, one spot you could argue they had little to no concern in was James Conner — the veteran running back who has been with the organization since 2021, when he signed a one-year “prove-it” deal with the team after moving on from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who drafted him.
He proceeded to receive a multi-year extension with the team after a debut year where he found the end zone 15 times on the ground, rushing for 752 yards, while also adding 3 receiving touchdowns and 375 receiving yards. He instantly made his mark on the franchise. The following year could be labeled as a down year, despite more rushing yards but less touchdown production. Still, the Cardinals got the best out of him, as in the last two seasons he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career.
James Conner was expected to have another big year in the dynamic Cardinals offense, but this season has shaped out differently. After nine weeks of football, he sits at 37 carries for 115 yards and 1 touchdown. It is evident that he is no longer the main option in Arizona’s backfield, and he has accepted that role like a true veteran. Coach Jonathan Gannon has opted to go the younger route, utilizing second-year speedster Trey Benson, who currently, through nine weeks, has 91 carries for 517 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. In addition, he has contributed heavily in the passing game with 35 receptions for 504 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. Evidently, he fits the scheme of a pass-heavy Cardinals team better, proving himself as a viable weapon both on the ground and through the air.
So, what does this mean for veteran James Conner?
Coach Gannon has mentioned multiple times throughout the course of the season that Conner still has a role on the team, and the coaching staff appreciates how well he has taken the change in workload while still remaining one of the team captains. Conner now offers value as the power back, being used in heavy sets to gain short yardage in crucial situations.
The real question is: how much longer does James Conner have a future with this team? At 30 years of age, he has taken on more of a mentor role in the running back room while still having two years left on his contract. However, it is questionable whether he will see out that deal. Will he look for a move in the offseason? Will the Cardinals offload him? Much remains to be seen in how the James Conner story with Arizona finishes.
*(AI was only used to grammatically correct this read, as English is not my first language)*
