NFL Rumors: James Conner, Cardinals Agree to $19M Contract to Avoid 2025 Free Agency

Amid a strong season for an Arizona Cardinals team fighting to make the playoffs in the NFC, James Conner has been rewarded with a contract extension from the club.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Conner has agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal that will keep him under contract with the Cardinals through the 2026 season.

The deal's timing allowed Conner to get a slight increase on the two-year, $18.3 million extension that David Montgomery received from the Detroit Lions in October.

Conner has been a steady performer throughout his career, particularly since joining the Cardinals as a free agent in April 2021. He set a career-high with 18 total touchdowns in his first season in Arizona.

During the 2023 season, Conner averaged a career-best 5.0 yards per carry. He also surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his career.

In 11 games for the Cardinals this season, Conner leads the team in touches (195), yards from scrimmage (993) and ranks second in total touchdowns (five). The two-time Pro Bowler will almost certainly reach 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the fourth consecutive season.

Conner is an integral part of a Cardinals rushing attack that ranks sixth in the NFL with 140.3 yards per game.

Arizona has been a pleasant surprise with a 6-5 record so far this season. The offense has been inconsistent overall, but the dynamic with Conner and Kyler Murray in the backfield is one of the big reasons they have found success.

Conner will celebrate his new contract by trying to help the Cardinals in a crucial NFC showdown on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Cardinals (6-5) enter Week 13 one game behind the Washington Commanders in the win column for the final playoff spot in the NFC.