The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here, and nobody knows what the Arizona Cardinals will do with their first-round pick. While everyone in the world knows the Raiders will select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and the Jets will select either David Bailey or Arvell Reese, the Cardinals are a complete Wild Card. The team has needs throughout the roster, including at the quarterback position. However, the allure of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love might be too much to resist, and the Cardinals will probably trade James Conner if they select the star running back.
One could certainly question the logic behind taking a running back third-overall with so many needs elsewhere, but there is no denying Love’s immense talent. He’d immediately be the top running back on the depth chart, and Arizona spent a decent chunk of money on Tyler Allgeier in free agency. This leaves veteran James Conner with no clear role in the offense, which means Arizona would likely try to trade him. Conner isn’t worth much more than a very late-round pick at this stage in his career, but he could still draw some interest from the following organizations.
Cardinals Could Trade James Conner During NFL Draft; 3 Suitors Likely
Cincinnati Bengals
Chase Brown is a starting-caliber running back, as the former fifth-round pick proved his breakout 2024 wasn’t a fluke. The running back started all 17 games last year, recording 1,019 yards and six touchdowns on 232 attempts while adding another 69 receptions for 437 yards and five touchdowns through the air. He’s Cincinnati’s unquestioned RB1, but this team needs a better backup. Samaje Perine is well past his prime, and a James Conner trade would give this team some much-needed depth at the position. The physical nature of the running back position naturally leads to a high injury rate, and Conner’s presence ensures this team will have a competent starter if injury strikes.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are betting the house on running back David Montgomery recapturing his previous form. The former third-round pick has always been a good-but-not-great running back and thrived alongside Jahmyr Gibbs the past few seasons. However, he’s entering his age-29 season and might not be able to handle a full workload at this stage in his career. While Woody Marks could earn a decent share of touches, a James Conner trade would provide more stability and help ease the burden on quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Kansas City Chiefs
For the first time since 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs have a legitimate RB1 in their backfield. Andy Reid’s squad spent big on reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, and he will be the unquestioned starter when healthy. However, this team still needs a Plan B. Emari Demarcado and Brashard Smith are currently set to battle for the backup job, and neither player is good enough to handle that type of responsibility on a Super Bowl contender. Conner may not be the player he once was, but he’d be a considerable upgrade behind Walker.
