Cardinals named top landing spot for $13 million running back in free agency

The Arizona Cardinals' running backs room could look a bit different in 2026.

While James Conner has no doubt been an asset for Arizona in recent years, he is also coming off a season in which he was limited to just three games due to a significant ankle injury that only added to his lengthy injury history.

Now, with Conner turning 31 in May and going into the final year of his contract, it's conceivable the Cardinals could cut him this offseason.

If that happens, Arizona will be left with Trey Benson, who the jury is still out on, and not much else, as Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight and Emari Demercado are all pending free agents.

In that scenario, the Cardinals will need a veteran back, and that's why Pro Football Focus' Mason Cameron named Arizona as the best landing spot for Jacksonville Jaguars running back, Travis Etienne, who Spotrac projects will command a contract that pays him $13.6 million contract over two years.

New head coach Mike LaFleur brings with him the experience of working under Sean McVay, and the diverse offensive philosophy that comes with it. Last season, the Rams ran the eighth-most outside runs in the NFL during the regular season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Etienne would flourish in a scheme that systematically attacks the outside, evidenced by his 90.5 PFF rushing grade on outside runs since entering the league.  

LaFleur also knows the value of having two capable backs to rely on, potentially paving the way for Conner and Etienne to share the workload. Their complementary skill sets could create a formidable rushing attack.

While Cameron paints the picture of a backfield with Conner and Etienne, we don't see that pairing happening. Etienne will be looking for a starting role and sharing work with Conner wouldn't qualify.

But if Conner is cut loose, we could definitely see some mutual interest between Etienne and the Cardinals.

Assuming he hits the open market, which is entirely possible given the Jags' poor cap space situation and the team drafting Bhayshul Tuten in 2025, Etienne figures to be one of the most coveted backs in free agency.

He has three 1,000-yard seasons under his belt and is coming off a yet another productive year that saw him finish with 1,399 yards from scrimmage (1,107 rushing) and 13 total touchdowns (seven rushing, six receiving).

Etienne would be just what the doctor ordered for Arizona.

He would provide the veteran stability and versatility Arizona needs at the position next to the wild card that is Benson.

Etienne has all the traits of a three-down running back with his ability as a runner, pass-catchers and pass-blocker. His availability will also be attractive to Arizona, as Etienne has only missed two games during his four-year career.

If he ends up costing as much as Spotrac projects, Etienne could be a massive steal.

We tend to believe Etienne will cost more than what Spotrac projects, but not by much. Arizona would still be well-positioned to afford him, as the Cardinals are projected to have $42.1 million in cap space this offseason.

Not only would Etienne be a fantastic replacement for Conner in Arizona, he would amount to a sizeable upgrade, also.

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