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James Conner, a power back who needed to establish himself as the primary backfield weapon, was signed by the Arizona Cardinals during the 2021 offseason. Conner had an inconsistent career with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Cardinals on a one-year contract. Conner’s greatest season with Pittsburgh came in 2018, when he amassed 973 rushing yards and 12 running touchdowns.
The next two seasons, Conner rushed for a combined 1,185 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Cardinals would then bring Conner to the desert, away from his home of Pennsylvania. His one-year deal was a bargain, as he ran for 752 yards and a career high 15 rushing touchdowns that helped the Cardinals make the playoffs. Conner earned himself a three-year extension with Arizona but is now heading into the final year of that contract extension.
The 29 year old back is coming off a career year in terms of rushing yards (1,040) in just 13 games played. Arizona was among one of the top rushing teams last season and there should be no reason why they can’t finish as a top ten rushing team once again. Kyler Murray is back under center who can take off from the pocket and the offensive line is improved compared to last season. The Cardinals drafted running back Trey Benson out of Florida State who was looked at as a top three back in this draft class and could easily replace Conner as the starter next season. However, even if Benson does indeed become the starter, the Cardinals need to bring back Conner for atleast one more season beyond the 2024 season
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