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Could The Cardinals trade a veteran running back in favor of generational talent?

James Conner out the door soon?
September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

James Conner has been incredibly serviceable for not only the Arizona Cardinals but also those who own him in fantasy football, as he was almost a guarantee to find the end zone once every week.

In his five seasons with the Cardinals, Conner logged two 1,000-yard seasons. In his first season with them, he found paydirt a whopping 15 times, serving as a perfect security blanket for whoever was under center.

The one issue with Conner is that he struggles to stay healthy, as he has not had a season with Arizona where he was able to play in every game. While a small one, Conner, being as fragile as he is, may have cost him money over the course of his career. As it stands, he will return to the Cardinals on a one-year, $3 million deal, but will see a decrease in playing time after the recent splash made by Monti Ossenfort and the front office.

The Cardinals went all out in the NFL Draft, selecting Notre Dame running back and Heisman finalist, Jeremiyah Love, at No. 3 overall

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This move not only cost Conner his spot as the team’s lead back, but it also was a massive hint that the Cardinals could be interested in moving on from the 31-year-old.

Don’t get us wrong, Conner has had some iconic moments with the Cardinals, but the move for Jeremiyah Love is just too big to ignore the truth about his future.

The question remains of whether or not Ossenfort chooses to move on from Conner before Week 1.

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