Ranking 5 running backs the Arizona Cardinals can sign
By Sion Fawkes
NFL Free Agency is drawing nearer, and the Arizona Cardinals could be in the market to sign a running back to complement James Conner.
James Conner got it together in 2022 and he put up a solid season. But he was also slow to get going last year and injuries took their toll early. Further, there are no surefire names behind Conner who could step up if he goes down with another injury. So chances are, general manager Monti Ossenfort will turn to free agency to see if he can find a back to spell Conner.
Don't expect Ossenfort to sign a back who played lights out last season. Instead, he will go with someone who spent time as an RB2 and in some cases, an RB3 with potential to move up the depth chart. Here are five backs Ossenfort may go after, ranked from fifth to first.
Ranking 5 running backs the Arizona Cardinals can sign
5 - Alexander Mattison
In four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Mattison rushed for 1,670 yards, 4.1 yards per carry, and 11 touchdowns. Not eye-popping numbers, but they are solid enough to warrant consideration as a stopgap fixture behind Conner.
Mattison is also smaller than the 230lb Conner, which gives the Arizona Cardinals a bit of a change of pace. While he's been moderately productive in this league, as the numbers above show, he likely wouldn't be Ossenfort's first choice in the desert since the GM might be looking for someone better equipped to start for an extended time if Conner again struggles with injuries, though Mattison is better than what the Redbirds currently got.
But if all else fails, he could go with Mattison, who would be an immediate upgrade over the likes of Darrel Williams, who played in just six games last season, Keaontay Ingram, Ty'Son Williams, and Corey Clement. If Ossenfort opted to sign Mattison, expect a short-term deal.