Kenneth Gainwell Jaylen Warren James Conner
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The Athletic named running back James Conner a cut candidate for the Arizona Cardinals.
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.