James Conner: Everything you need to know

Conner will likely have to settle for a backup role in 2026, as Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports that Arizona drafted running back Jeremiyah Love third overall Thursday. Conner started all 45 regular-season games in which he appeared over the previous four seasons, but he'll have to battle for backup touches in 2026 behind Love, who is expected to immediately take over as the starter for the Cardinals following a stellar NCAA career at Notre Dame. The nearly 31-year-old Conner, who was limited to three appearances in 2025 by a foot injury, will also face competition for touches from free-agent addition Tyler Allgeier and Trey Benson (knee).

Conner (foot) participated at the start of the Cardinals' offseason program Tuesday, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports. Conner's 2025 campaign was abbreviated due to a foot injury that required surgery and a stint on injured reserve after Week 3. He then worked out a restructured contract with the Cardinals in early March that left him with $2.1 million guaranteed in 2026. The team added Tyler Allgeier to its backfield this offseason on a two-year contract with $8 million in guarantees, while 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson (knee) also remains on the roster. Conner has been Arizona's lead runner since 2021 when healthy, but because he's entering his age-31 season, he may cede more of the RB reps to Allgeier this fall under new coach Mike LaFleur.

The Cardinals and Conner agreed to a restructured contract Sunday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The details of the revisions are not yet public, but the move ensures that Conner will be in Arizona for the 2026 season. The veteran running back was limited to just three regular-season games in 2025 before suffering a foot injury in September that required season-ending surgery. Assuming he's healthy for the start of next season, Conner should operate as the Cardinals' RB1 while Trey Benson (knee) serves as the top backup option in the backfield.