Report: Cardinals Sign James Conner to Extension

The Arizona Cardinals are keeping James Conner around.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) breaks a tackle by New York Jets safety Jalen Mills (35) after a catch during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 10, 2024. / Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals are signing running back James Conner to a two-year extension, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"More time together: Cardinals are signing RB James Conner to a two-year contract extension, per source. Conner was scheduled to be a free agent after this season, but no longer."

More time together: Cardinals are signing RB James Conner to a two-year contract extension, per source. Conner was scheduled to be a free agent after this season, but no longer. pic.twitter.com/LIIEEtE5Mu

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 30, 2024

Schefter added in a later tweet that the deal was a two-year, $19 million extension.

The Cardinals, under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, have utilized a heavy run-first approach, which has relied on Conner to be a premier back in order for the team to find success.

That's precisely what Conner has been.

Even during a 4-13 season in 2023, Conner eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing, and in 2024 he's helped the Cardinals open a few eyes during their 6-5 start. Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings could see him eclipse 1,000 scrimmage yards for a fourth straight season.

After Arizona took Trey Benson early in the 2024 NFL Draft, there was speculation Conner's time with the Cardinals was coming to an end.

No contact extensions during training camp, preseason or the early portion of the regular season continued to put that in doubt, though general manager Monti Ossenfort was able to ensure a key part of their offense will continue in the locker room.

"I've been telling people. Since I've been playing with James I've known what type of back he is. Obviously, he's underrated around the world in the league and how he's viewed, but I know there's nothing he can't do in my eyes," Kyler Murray said of Conner earlier this season.

Other potential contract extensions to watch are Hjalte Froholdt, Budda Baker, Kyzir White and Will Hernandez ahead of 2025's free agency class.