Cardinals Could Trade James Conner During NFL Draft

James Conner is still on the Arizona Cardinals, but the team could trade him during the 2026 NFL Draft. A third-round pick in 2017, the Pittsburgh product originally made a name for himself while filling in for Le’Veon Bell with the Steelers. After he played out his rookie contract, Conner joined the Cardinals in 2021 and has been one of the league’s better running backs during his five years with the squad. However, he’s now entering his age-31 season and missed all but three games last year with an injury.

The Cardinals already added former Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier in free agency, but Peter Schrager of ESPN says they might not be done adding talent to the position. In a recent article, the NFL analyst said the Cardinals could select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third-overall pick. Love is one of the best running back prospects in recent memory, and his presence will likely force Conner off the roster.

James Conner is no longer a starting-caliber running back at this stage in his career, but he could draw trade interest as a high-level backup. Contenders would probably be willing to send a late-round pick for his services, especially since this draft class lacks premium running back talent beyond Love.

Cardinals Could Trade James Conner During NFL Draft; 3 Suitors Likely

Cincinnati Bengals

Chase Brown is a starting-caliber running back, as the former fifth-round pick proved his breakout 2024 wasn’t a fluke. The running back started all 17 games last year, recording 1,019 yards and six touchdowns on 232 attempts while adding another 69 receptions for 437 yards and five touchdowns through the air. He’s Cincinnati’s unquestioned RB1, but this team needs a better backup. Samaje Perine is well past his prime, and a James Conner trade would give this team some much-needed depth at the position. The physical nature of the running back position naturally leads to a high injury rate, and Conner’s presence ensures this team will have a competent starter if injury strikes.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are betting the house on running back David Montgomery recapturing his previous form. The former third-round pick has always been a good-but-not-great running back and thrived alongside Jahmyr Gibbs the past few seasons. However, he’s entering his age-29 season and might not be able to handle a full workload at this stage in his career. While Woody Marks could earn a decent share of touches, a James Conner trade would provide more stability and help ease the burden on quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Kansas City Chiefs

For the first time since 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs have a legitimate RB1 in their backfield. Andy Reid’s squad spent big on reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, and he will be the unquestioned starter when healthy. However, this team still needs a Plan B. Emari Demarcado and Brashard Smith are currently set to battle for the backup job, and neither player is good enough to handle that type of responsibility on a Super Bowl contender. Conner may not be the player he once was, but he’d be a considerable upgrade behind Walker.