NFL Rumors: James Connor Agrees to Extension with Cardinals

It looks like the Cardinals will have some continuity in the backfield heading into next season.

The #AZCardinals and RB James Conner have agreed to a 3-year extension, source said. The Pro Bowler sticks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2022

On Monday afternoon, shortly after the leagues' legal tampering phase of free agency opened it was reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that running back James Conner and the Cardinals agreed to a three year contract extension. The Cardinals themselves followed later with their own confirmation of the agreement.

King James 👑@JamesConner_ x #RedSea pic.twitter.com/lnWJsKe2sZ
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) March 14, 2022

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the deal is worth $21 million and could potentially increase to as much as $25.5 million likely due to incentives within the contract. In the same report, Schefter relayed that the deal also includes $13.5 million in fully guaranteed salary.

Through his first season in Arizona last year, Conner arguably had one his most productive season as a professional while also earning his second invitation to the Pro Bowl. In 2021, Conner rushed for 752 yards and a career high 15 touchdowns on 202 carries while also adding 375 yards and another 3 touchdowns through 37 receptions.

Resigning Conner should definitely be somewhat of a relief for Cardinals' fans as the team lost Chase Edmonds to Miami today and this will likely prevent a total rebuild of the backfield from becoming a pertinent issue while the team focuses on making a second consecutive playoff appearance in 2022.