Cardinals $19 million former Pro Bowl cut candidate could land with Broncos, Chiefs, Texans

The Arizona Cardinals could be preparing to move on from running back James Conner this offseason.

FOX Sports' Greg Auman lists Conner as a cut candidate for Arizona. The Cardinals would save $7.5 million by releasing or trading the veteran running back.

"Conner was limited by a foot injury to just three games in 2025. The Cardinals dealt with multiple running back injuries last year, but new coach Mike LaFleur will likely seek a younger backfield," Auman said.

As Auman stated, a foot injury took most of 2025 away from Conner, and with the Pittsburgh product turning 31 in May, Arizona could look to get younger at running back and cut ties with the former third-round pick.

If Conner hits the free agency market, the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Houston Texans are obvious landing spots for the former Pro Bowler.

Denver should look to pair RJ Harvey with another capable back, and Conner would be the perfect complement due to his power and bruiser playstyle.

Kansas City could also be interested in Conner's services, as a running back room of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt just isn't going to cut it again.

Joe Mixon's future in Houston is murky after missing the entire 2025 campaign with a foot injury, and Woody Marks clearly can't be a workhorse back.

Signing Conner to take some pressure off Marks and bolster the rushing attack would be a legitimate move from Texans general manager Nick Caserio.

Despite an injury-riddled 2025 season, Conner can still be a productive player, as he posted two straight 1,000-yard years in 20234 and 2024. If he gets let go by the Cardinals, his next home could be in Denver, Kansas City, or Houston.

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