Cardinals News
The Arizona Cardinals may be forced to part ways with one of the most beloved players in their locker room this offseason. Running back James Conner, coming off a season-ending foot injury that limited him to just three games in 2025, is a leading candidate to be released as the team looks to free up salary cap space, according to The Athletic’s Doug Haller.
Conner suffered the injury on September 21, 2025, during the Cardinals’ third game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. He was carted off the field with his right leg immobilized after his foot became trapped beneath a tackler. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed the following day that Conner would require surgery and miss the remainder of the season. He was placed on injured reserve and did not return. Recovery projections suggest he could be at full health ahead of the 2026 season.
Despite the hopeful medical outlook, the financial math may make that a moot point for Arizona. Conner carries a cap hit of approximately $9.83 million in 2026, according to Spotrac. Releasing him before June 1 would save the Cardinals $7.58 million while creating a $2.25 million dead-cap charge — a relatively clean exit for the team if new leadership chooses to move on.
Haller’s reporting frames the decision as one that goes beyond numbers. “His value during his five years in Arizona is unquestioned,” Haller wrote. “He runs hard. He is among the most respected players in the locker room. But he’s also coming off a severe right foot injury that ended his 2025 season after three games.”
Conner, who turns 31 in May, was a cornerstone of Arizona’s offense since arriving in 2021. He reached 1,000 rushing yards in each of the past two seasons — the first two 1,000-yard campaigns of his NFL career — and served as a team captain. His production and durability made him a rare constant in a Cardinals offense that struggled for consistency. With new general manager Monti Ossenfort and a new head coach taking over in 2026, the organization is entering a full reset, and veteran salaries with uncertain health status are a natural target.
None of the $8 million Conner is owed in 2026 is guaranteed, leaving Arizona with maximum financial flexibility. If Conner is released, the Cardinals’ backfield would be in need of significant reinforcement. Trey Benson and Bam Knight split snaps behind Conner after his injury in 2025 but neither established himself as a clear long-term answer.
For Conner, a release would open the door to free agency for the first time since signing with Arizona. Teams interested in a proven short-yardage and receiving back would have to weigh his track record against the uncertainty of returning from major foot surgery. Whether that market exists — and at what price — will become clearer once the league year opens on March 11.
The Cardinals sit at approximately $39 million in cap space. With potential cuts at multiple positions, Arizona could push that figure above $60 million as it prepares to reshape its roster around Kyler Murray and a new coaching staff.