James Conner Secures Two-Year Extension with Cardinals Ahead of Chilly Minnesota Matchup
MINNEAPOLIS — The frigid Minnesota temperatures this weekend won’t faze Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner. In fact, he’s got plenty to celebrate as he heads into Sunday’s game against the Vikings. Just hours before boarding the team plane, Conner inked a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Arizona through the 2026 season, the team announced.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the deal is worth $19 million. This extension not only solidifies Conner’s future with the Cardinals but also places him among the league’s top-paid running backs. His $9.5 million average annual salary now ranks him as the seventh-highest-paid running back in the NFL.
Conner’s Stellar Season Continues
Conner, who turns 30 in May, has been a force for the Cardinals this season. Already at 705 rushing yards, he’s on track for his second consecutive 1,000-yard season — a feat that would mark the only two such seasons in his eight-year career. He’s also racked up four 100-yard games and five rushing touchdowns so far this year.
But Conner’s contributions go beyond just the numbers. Since joining the Cardinals in 2021, he’s become a cornerstone of their offense. Under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Conner has taken his game to another level, proving to be an indispensable asset for the team.
“I have full trust in James,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said earlier this season. “I know Drew does, the offensive staff does, and the offense does. He’s an asset that we have that not a lot of people have.”
Gannon didn’t hold back in praising Conner’s work ethic and leadership, adding, “He does a lot for us not just on the playing side [but] the psychological, the leadership side and the lead-by-example side. This guy’s in there before anyone’s in there working on his legs today. That’s who he is as a person at his core. He just keeps the main thing the main thing, and he goes about his business, and he works, man. It’s comforting.”
Impact on the Cardinals’ Success
The Cardinals’ success this season has often mirrored Conner’s performance. The team boasts a 5-1 record in games where Conner has hit 100 yards from scrimmage, but they’ve struggled to a 1-4 record when he hasn’t. His dual-threat ability has been a game-changer, as he’s complemented his rushing yards with 288 receiving yards, bringing his total to 993 yards from scrimmage this season. If he surpasses 1,000 yards, he’ll become the first player in Cardinals history to hit that mark in each of his first four seasons with the team.
Since signing with Arizona in 2021, Conner has been a touchdown machine. His 40 touchdowns over that span rank him among the league’s elite, with only five other players scoring more during that time.
Respected On and Off the Field
Conner’s impact extends far beyond the stat sheet. He’s earned the respect of his coaches, teammates, and even the Cardinals’ fanbase. Gannon has been vocal about his admiration for Conner, even saying this past offseason that if there was one player his oldest child should look up to, it would be Conner. The coach has repeatedly highlighted Conner’s dedication to maintaining his body and his relentless work ethic.
Quarterback Kyler Murray echoed those sentiments, saying, “You can’t put a price tag on what J.C. means. Now, I could go on and on about him, but great dude, great teammate, great leader, great player.”
Murray added, “I don’t think he gets the credit that he deserves, but the guys in that room, they understand what he is.”
Key Takeaways
- James Conner signed a two-year, $19 million extension with the Arizona Cardinals, keeping him with the team through 2026.
- Conner’s $9.5 million average annual salary makes him the seventh-highest-paid running back in the NFL.
- He’s on pace for his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season and has already tallied 993 yards from scrimmage this year.
- Since joining the Cardinals in 2021, Conner has scored 40 touchdowns, ranking among the league’s best.
- Conner’s leadership and work ethic have earned him the admiration of his coaches and teammates, including head coach Jonathan Gannon and quarterback Kyler Murray.
As the Cardinals prepare to face the Vikings in what’s expected to be a frosty matchup, they’ll be counting on Conner to continue his stellar play. With his new contract in hand and his sights set on another 1,000-yard season, Conner is proving to be the heart and soul of Arizona’s offense.
Originally Written by: Josh Weinfuss
