Posted on Nov 30
James Conner signs $19M extension, praised for leadership and on-field impact
u/alex •
James Conner signs two-year, $19 million extension with the Arizona Cardinals.
Why it matters: The contract extension ensures that Conner will remain a key part of the Cardinals' backfield through the 2026 season and solidifies his place as one of the highest-paid running backs in the league.
The numbers: With an average annual salary of $9.5 million, Conner now ranks seventh among all running backs in terms of average annual salary.
- Conner's performance on the field justifies the lucrative deal, as he is on pace for his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season and has already recorded four 100-yard games and five rushing touchdowns this season.
What to watch: Conner's impact goes beyond his statistics and includes his work ethic, leadership, and dedication to taking care of his body.
- The Cardinals have a 5-1 record when Conner reaches 100 yards from scrimmage, highlighting his importance to the team's success.
- If Conner reaches 1,000 yards from scrimmage this season, he will become the first player in Cardinals history to achieve that mark in each of his first four seasons with the team.
Yes, but: While Conner's production and intangibles make him a valuable asset, there may be concerns about his injury history.
- He has dealt with various injuries throughout his career, including a battle with cancer during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Quotes:
- Coach Jonathan Gannon on James Conner: "He does a lot for us not just on the playing side [but] the psychological, the leadership side and the lead-by-example side."
- Quarterback Kyler Murray on James Conner: "You can't put a price tag on what J.C. means... great dude, great teammate, great leader, great player."
The bottom line: The Cardinals have secured a talented and impactful player in James Conner, providing stability to their backfield and reinforcing their offensive arsenal as they continue their push for success in the NFL.