The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone through quite a bit of roster turnover the past few offseasons. Because of that, a lot of former Steelers, including running back James Conner, could be available in NFL free agency this March.
The Athletic’s NFL staff named a cut candidate for every single NFL team Monday. For the Arizona Cardinals, The Athletic picked Conner, who began his career with the Steelers.
“Every offseason decision for the Cardinals starts with Kyler Murray. Assuming they find a trading partner for the 28-year-old quarterback, they still face difficult decisions. Conner is among the biggest,” The Athletic’s Doug Haller wrote. “His value during his five years in Arizona is unquestioned. He runs hard. He is among the most respected players in the locker room.
“But he’s also coming off a severe right foot injury that ended his 2025 season after three games. Conner, who turns 31 in May, is under contract through the 2026 season. Cutting him would save about $8 million, money the Cardinals could use on a younger replacement.”
Conner has one year remaining on his contract in Arizona. He is set to have a $9.83 million cap hit during 2026.
If the Cardinals release him, the team will only receive a $2.25 million dead cap hit.
The veteran running back’s 2025 season ended with a season-ending right foot injury during Week 3. It was the first time in the running back’s career where he didn’t play in at least 10 games.
Conner, who is a Pennsylvania native and starred at Pitt in college, played for the Steelers from 2017-20.
He earned his first Pro Bowl nomination with the Steelers in 2018.
James Conner Named Cut Candidate for Cardinals
It might not be surprising if the Cardinals elect to keep or release Conner. There’s justification for both moves.
As Haller explained, Conner runs hard and has been one of Arizona’s best players over the past half a decade. In his last full season, he gained 1,094 rushing yards and posted a career-high 1,508 yards from scrimmage at 29 years old.
But set to turn 31 in May and coming off a serious foot injury, it’s understandable if new head coach Mike LaFleur wants a fresh start at running back. The team can get that with very limited cap consequence.
Conner earned his second Pro Bowl bid during his first season with the Cardinals in 2021. In each of his first four campaigns with Arizona, he rushed for at least 750 yards.
Conner posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2023 and 2024. His rushing high-water mark with the Steelers was 973 yards.
Steelers RB Depth Entering 2026
If Conner reaches NFL free agency, it will be interesting to see if the Steelers show any interest. In all likelihood, though, the team probably won’t pursue a Conner reunion.
Veteran running back Kenneth Gainwell is set to be an unrestricted free agent for Pittsburgh. So, the team could need another running back.
But the Steelers would be better suited bringing back Gainwell, who experienced the best statistical season of his career in 2025.
Gainwell and Jaylen Warren were a strong duo in the Steelers backfield last season. The team also has 2025 third-rounder Kaleb Johnson on the roster. The new Steelers offensive coaching staff has to find ways to get him the ball too.
In four seasons, Conner posted 2,302 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns with Pittsburgh. He also caught 124 passes for an additional 963 yards and four scores.
Ex-Steelers Pro Bowl Playmaker Predicted to Reach NFL Free Agency