Arizona Cardinals: Likelihood that free agents return

Running back Andre Ellington

After an electrifying rookie season, Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington appeared poised for an impressive career in Arizona, drawing comparisons to former Kansas City Chiefs star Jamaal Charles. Unfortunately for Ellington, a combination of injuries and the emergence of David Johnson prevented him from realizing such lofty projections.

Ellington has, however, still been a productive part of the Cardinals’ offense, serving as a change-of-pace back. Moreover, Ellington’s receiving prowess has been particularly valuable, as it allowed the Cardinals to spell David Johnson with a back who has similar pass-catching ability. In other words, coach Arians could continue to utilize his running back in the passing game when Ellington was on the field.

Among Cardinals running backs, Ellington appears to be the most likely to be offered a larger role and contract elsewhere. At 28 years old, he is three-and-a-half years younger than Chris Johnson, and his explosiveness sets him apart from Stepfan Taylor.

At the same time, these traits could make him the Cardinals’ preferred back among the trio of free agents. If the running back market is as soft as some believe, the Cardinals could be amenable to Ellington’s asking price. Still, with a star in David Johnson, and so many other needs, it seems likely that the Cardinals will look to spend their finite cap space elsewhere.

Likelihood of returning: 25 percent