The Arizona Cardinals just might have a running back problem. James Conner signed an extension in November of 2024 for two years, but was severely injured last year in Week 3 with a serious foot/ankle injury. This required surgery.
Advertisement
When will he return? What is his timeline? Even after he hits the field, will he be the same bruising back that he once was?
RELATED: RB NICK SINGLETON INTERVIEW
Senior Bowl interview: RB Nick Singleton
The Cardinals planned to live and die by their running game because that was OC Drew Petzing’s scheme. It symbolized the franchise, and pretty much always has been, with a large number of established running backs in its history, such as O.J. Anderson, Charley Trippi, Ollie Matson, Stump Mitchell, Johnny Johnson, Jim Otis, Larry Centers, and David Johnson, to name a few.
Conner was a highly-productive player before he became injured. In 2024 alone, he recorded 1,508 scrimmage yards with nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games played.
Advertisement
His backup, Trey Benson, was also injured. What is his status? Will he still have his speed once he returns?
Perhaps the Cardinals need to reach out and sign a stud in the upcoming free agency period. There are plenty of names Arizona could consider for the roster, such as Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker (Seattle), Travis Etienne (Jacksonville), Javonte Williams (Dallas), Rico Dowdle (Carolina), and J.K. Dobbins (Denver).
But a really exceptional signing that would put Arizona over the top would be to go after RB Breece Hall of the New York Jets.
The free agency period begins March 12, but teams can open negotiations from March 9-11.
Advertisement
RB Breece Hall
New York Jets
5’-11”, 217 pounds
Age: 24
PFF ranking: 83.5
NFL draft: 2022 Round 2, pick #36 (Jets)
Pro accolades: none
40 time: 4.39
2025 season: 16 starts, 243 attempts, 1,065 yards, 4 touchdowns, 57 first down conversions, 4.4 yards per carry average, 36 receptions, 48 targets, 350 yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 13 first down catches, 9.7 yards per reception average
What’s great about Hall is that he is still a very young man at just age 24. No, really. Hall gained 1,065 yards this past season and started 16 games, so he is durable.
In college, he was named the Big-12 Offensive Player of the Year two years straight. Hall was voted Unanimous All-American, two-time First Team All-Big 12, and the NCAA rushing yards leader in 2020 with 1,572 yards, followed by 1,472 yards the following season.
Advertisement
Hall is a workhorse. He has really good speed with a 40 time of 4.39. He is well-built and a patient runner with good vision. Very explosive. He has the burst to get through the line of scrimmage and into the second level quickly. He is mostly an off-tackle runner who relies on his first step, but is very quick.
In his rookie year, he tore his MCL and was placed on IR in October. His cousin, Roger Craig, played for the San Fransico 49ers and is a member of the latest Hall of Fame class.
Hall is a solid receiver with some flexibility. Not the greatest blocker, but willing.
The team that gets a full year out of him will be very pleased. In the right system, he could be a 1,500-yard back. Could this be in Arizona?
Projection: Three-years, $30 million
Read the full article here
