Mike LaFleur is slated to enter his first free agency cycle as a head coach. As he and Monti Ossenfort assemble a roster, how they approach the acquisition process will shape the identity LaFleur hopes to create in Year One. Owner Michael Bidwill said that he wanted a quick turnaround after a disappointing 2025 season. First stop: Free Agency.
Cap hit of players under contract for 2026 (via OverTheCap.com): James Conner ($9,830,000), Trey Benson ($1,652,620), Corey Kiner ($1,005,000)
Analysis: If there was anything the 2025 season showcased, offensively, the team desperately missed running the ball. The biggest hit came in Week 3 when James Conner suffered a gruesome right foot injury. The next week, Trey Benson would injure his knee and -- despite opening his practice window -- was shut down for the season.
Behind often, and with an inability to generate a rushing attack, the Cardinals found themselves in known passing situations all season. Michael Carter was the leading rusher in 2025 with 333 yards. Yes, the Cardinals will need to figure out who will they add to the offensive line, but they also are faced with the decision of who will run the football.
The Cardinals chose not to tender an offer to Emari Demercado, allowing the running back to test the market. Conner, who will be 31 in May, will be part of the front-office discussion about his future. Carter had played for Mike LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett when he was with the Jets. After LaFleur was hired, Carter commented "guy is cut from the right cloth man." Carter is a free agent.
There are other running backs that will be free agents once the league year begins on Wednesday that could fill a need. With the Cardinals holding the third pick in the draft, the Jeremiyah Love train has started to pick up steam in the eyes of some draft analysts.
Notable past free agent running back signings: Conner (2021); Chris Johnson (2015); Rashard Mendenhall (2013); Edgerrin James (2006); Emmitt Smith (2003); Mario Bates (1998).
A look at some of the top running backs across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III runs the ball during the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills in an NFL wild card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) looks to avoid Los Angeles Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (1) during an NFL wild card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (27) runs against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) rushes for a touchdown during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) runs with the ball during an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (22) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes, right, and Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs up field past Houston Texans defensive end Denico Autry (96) during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Peter Aiken)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) is chased by Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
