Free agent running back James Conner has agreed to a new deal with the Arizona Cardinals. A product of the University of Pittsburgh, Conner spent the first four years of his NFL career with the hometown Pittsburgh Steelers.
The @AZCardinals continued to pick up veteran free agents as they have signed former Steelers RB @JamesConner_ one day after he flew in for a visit. @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) April 13, 2021
James Conner, Arizona Cardinals, Agree to Deal
Conner earned one Pro Bowl selection in his first four years in the league. In 2018, when he was tasked with Le’Veon Bell’s replacement, Conner totaled 973 rushing yards and 497 receiving yards in just 13 games. With regards to his skillset, Conner is a complete running back. As a runner, he is very good with the ball in his hands. Previously a downhill bulldozer, Conner has become elusive and flashes a nice spin move. He has definitely improved his agility and feet quickness over his first four seasons. He is very dependable as a receiving option out of the backfield, too. Finally, Conner is very good in pass protection, arguably one of the best in the NFL.
There isn’t much to dislike about James Conner and his skillset. His biggest problem in the NFL has been health concerns. He has never played a full season. Since taking over as the featured back in 2018, Conner’s most games played in a season is 13 (2018 and 2020). In 2019, he only appeared in 10 games. Even when he’s not missing games, Conner is often playing through injury and not fully healthy. Though he has the skillset of a featured, every-down running back, Conner doesn’t have the durability to be fully relied upon in that role.
In 2020, Conner’s numbers didn’t jump off the page. His numbers need to be taken with a grain of salt, though, as he was running behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Pittsburgh’s run blocking was horrible. He has all the tools necessary to be a good running back, he’s just not the kind to make wine out of water. Just 25 years old, James Conner still has plenty of snaps in him. If he can stay healthy, 2021 could be a bounce-back year for him.
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