Less than a week after signing with the Arizona Cardinals, veteran running back Marlon Mack suffered an unfortunate season-ending Achilles injury. They recently signed running back Stevie Scott to fill the void for now.
However, the Cardinals should seriously consider targeting these three veteran running backs. Especially if no running backs step up in preseason to fill the role of RB2 behind James Conner.
3 Free Agent Running Backs the Arizona Cardinals Should Target
Cardinals No. 1 Target: Ezekiel Elliott
In the 2022 season, Ezekiel Elliott carried the ball 231 times, amassing 876 rushing yards with a 3.8 yards-per-carry (YPC) average. Despite career-low stats in specific categories, his 12 rushing touchdowns underscore his knack for scoring. At 28 years old, Elliott brings experience, though his elite status has waned due to wear and tear.
Elliott’s potential addition could create a potent one-two punch with starting running back James Conner, particularly in the red zone. Both have a knack for getting in the endzone and could give the Cardinals the offensive identity they’ve lacked.
While not in his prime, Elliott’s a reliable veteran who would be a valuable backup. He’s reportedly being targeted by other teams, including the New England Patriots. As a result, it could be difficult to convince him to sign.
Cardinals No. 2 Target: Kareem Hunt
Last season, Hunt recorded 123 carries for 468 rushing yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. Although his numbers fell below career averages, his three rushing touchdowns and 35 receptions for 210 receiving yards highlighted his dual-threat capabilities.
However, the recent season raised concerns about Hunt’s performance. His yards per carry declined from his usual 4.5 average, signaling reduced explosiveness. Still, Hunt remains highly regarded for his pass-catching abilities.
Facing competition from teams like the Saints and Colts, the Cardinals may also have difficulty signing Hunt. However unlikely, it is still a move they should strongly consider pursuing. At 28 years old, Kareem Hunt brings experience and versatility. Pairing Hunt with established back James Conner could yield a formidable pass-catching duo, addressing the team’s lack of receiving weapons.
Target No. 3: Leonard Fournette
Leonard Fournette could be the ideal free-agent pairing for the Cardinals. His blend of veteran experience, red zone proficiency like Ezekiel Elliott, and Kareem Hunt-like pass-catching skills make him an appealing prospect.
In the 2022 season, Fournette showcased his versatility, recording 189 carries for 668 rushing yards at a 3.5 yards-per-carry average. Three rushing touchdowns underscored his red zone prowess, while his 73 receptions for 523 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns showcased his ability as a receiver.
Fournette’s skill set aligns well with Conner’s, offering a strategic advantage of unpredictability. Teams sometimes give away when they are in passing or rushing situations based on the running back they have out there if they are too one-dimensional as either rushers or pass-catchers. Conner and Fournette are such significant three-down threats that it would keep the defenses honest.
Fournette’s receiving skill set, while still having a knack for the endzone, is rare in the NFL; nonetheless, for a free agent still available in August. There has also been less buzz circulating about Fournette compared to Elliot and Hunt as having potential suitors, which could bode well for the Cardinals chances of landing him.
Main Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
