The Arizona Cardinals gave James Conner a prove-it deal during the 2021 offseason. After having four solid seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cardinals signed him to a 1-year, $1.75 million contract. Conner made the most of the opportunity, totaling 1,127 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns, earning him his second Pro Bowl selection in 2021.
Conner’s incredible 2021 campaign earned him a 3-year, $21 million contract extension during the 2022 offseason, making him an unrestricted free agent for the 2025 offseason. He has demonstrated his abilities as a reliable starting running back for the past two seasons in the NFL. He accounted for 1,082 yards from scrimmage and eight total touchdowns in 2022. Finally, he totaled 1,205 total yards from scrimmage, including the first time in his NFL career to reach the 1,000-rushing yard milestone and nine total touchdowns in 2023.
Also Read: Arizona Cardinals’ James Conner Shares 6-Word Tip to Being a Reliable NFL RB
The Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowler faced a pivotal 2024 season
James Conner is facing a pivotal 2024 campaign because he turns 30 in May and considering the short shelf life of running backs. Finally, he is in the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season’s end.
Conner has had a solid first 11 games in 2024, rushing for 705 yards on 166 carries, five touchdowns on the ground, and 29 receptions for 288 yards, with 195 total touches for 993 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns. Based on how he’s playing, he can reach personal career highs in rushing, set in 2023, and total yards from scrimmage, set in 2018, if he plays every game for the first time in his career.
He isn’t going anywhere anytime soon
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Arizona Cardinals and James Conner have agreed to a 2-year, $19 million contract extension. Conner’s contract runs through the 2026 season and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. This recent contract extension makes him the 7th-highest-paid running back in terms of APY, per Over The Cap.
Compensation update: Cardinals are rewarding James Conner with a two-year, $19 million extension, per source. https://t.co/ful9xd00fE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 30, 2024
Fans react to the news
That extension shows the Cardinals’ faith in his consistent performance and value to the team.
— Chesterchy (@chesterchy1) November 30, 2024
Huge. He has had a renaissance this season. Good for Conner and the Cardinals!
— Dylan Wilkerson (@wilkersonadylan) November 30, 2024
W
— Lafreniere For MVP (@Laf4MVP_) November 30, 2024
Great late Black Friday deal!!
— Jackson Noah (@j_n_music_97) November 30, 2024
Didn’t get the “don’t pay rb” memo
— Fantasy Farmer (@TFFDudes) November 30, 2024
For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content:
Follow me on X @JacksonLoschko and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. If you have any questions, you can message me on Linkedin. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NFL and College Football, click here.
Thank you for reading my articles. It is greatly appreciated.
Our Partners
