Bam Knight returns to Cardinals on one-year deal for 2026

Can Knight make 53-man roster?

Knight was brought in to essentially be the Cardinals returner last season. James Conner and Trey Benson would alternate drives, with Emari Demercado being the third down back. However, Conner’s injury in Week 3 and Benson in Week 4 flinged Knight into a starting role, as head coach Jonathan Gannon wanted to keep Demercado as a third down specialist.

Week 7 vs. the Green Bay Packers was Knight’s first start for the franchise, recording 14 carries for 57 yards. A solid debut against a highly-touted Green Bay defense. After that stretch, the third-year back struggled mightily failing to record over 30 yards over the next four games. Sharing reps with Carter and Demercado didn’t help his production, as well as running behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL.

His last memorable game was in Week 13 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, running for 62 yards on 11 attempts and catching three passes for 36 passing yards. Knight looked to have a strong end to the season, but he would suffer and injury on his first carry two weeks later, that would later place him on IR.

Knight finished with 269 rushing yards, 160 receiving yards and five total touchdowns. The 5’11 halfback has the intangibles to be stellar, with explosive speed and power in the backfield. Regardless, he wasn’t able to put it all together, as Arizona finished with the 31st rushing attack in the NFL.

Conner, Benson and Allgeier are all safe to be on the roster in 2026, so if the Cardinals bring in another running back in the draft or free agency, Knight is on the chopping block. His dynamic speed could make him a excellent return man for the team, but his lackluster production in 2025 makes him expendable. Next year’s preseason will be life or death for Knight’s NFL career, a possession he’s been in before.