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).
