Two-time Pro Bowl running back James Connor will likely be on the trade block during this year’s draft. According to a FOX Sports report, they believe the Arizona Cardinals could make Connor available for a trade despite signing a two-year contract extension last year. There were teams looking to trade for the running back since it was another 2024 campaign for the Cardinals. It shouldn’t be surprising if teams call up the phone to see if the running back will become available during the draft, as he hasn’t been able to play one full single season in his career.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Pittsburgh product began his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording just 144 rushing yards on 32 carries. Conner had a lot of hype walking into the league after outselling every NFL jersey, but it didn’t last too long as the running back suffered a season-ending MCL injury that required surgery. He got a new opportunity as a starter since former Le’Veon Bell made his decision to hold out for a new contract, and he became a reliable runner for the Steelers’ offense. Connor wasn’t able to top more than 1,000 rushing yards, but he got a new opportunity with the Cardinals in 2021, signing a one-year deal.
The former Pro Bowler got himself back up as the leading rusher, earning himself a contract extension. Despite that, the team did give him another extension, but it doesn’t mean his job is necessarily safe. The Cardinals may trade him as he’s aging, and they have enough depth in the backfield department with guys like Trey Benson.
BREAKING: Two-Time Pro Bowler James Connor May Be On Trade Block During NFL Draft – Chargers, Ravens Logical Fits
Helping Najee Harris
Last season, the Los Angeles Chargers had two running backs in J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards with a lot of upside, and even though Dobbins had his moments, he wasn’t able to stay healthy. The Chargers are experimenting again this upcoming Fall to see how Najee Harris fits into their scheme, and from the looks of it, he has the body and strength that head coach Jim Harbaugh is looking for. Harbaugh wants to build a capable backfield room for quarterback Justin Herbert, who is old-school style and hard-nosed to run over defenders, but they will need to sign or draft another running back.
After releasing backup Edwards, the team could use another capable answer behind Harris. The Chargers are testing the waters again in hopes that Harris works out in this system. With that, Connor could be a worthy chain-mover to make life easier for Harris to run it up in the red zone.
Backing up Derrick Henry
Meanwhile, the biggest need that no one talks about for the Baltimore Ravens is that they need a running back. No one is taking Derrick Henry’s job, as he will only get better each season when healthy. Henry didn’t crack at all due to injuries, but the Ravens must add another capable runner either way to have him keep fresh legs for the postseason. Connor is an efficient upgrade over Keaton Mitchell, who isn’t ready for backup duties just yet.
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