We know the NFL will have some trades between now and the deadline during the season. Who are some of the most likely candidates?<\/p>\n
ESPN’s Dan Graziano put together a list of 10 early candidates to be traded<\/a>. One is Arizona Cardinals<\/a> running back James Conner.<\/p>\n The team signed Tyler Allgeier in free agency and used the No. 3 pick on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Conner has been a great signing for the Cardinals, posting consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 2023 to 2024. But he turned 31, is coming off a major season-ending injury and has just one year left on his contract.<\/p>\n Conner accepted a pay cut this past spring, so it’s possible he’s in their plans and that someone such as Trey Benson is more likely to get traded to alleviate the logjam at running back. But it feels like one of the Cardinals’ six RBs has to go, and a team looking for a reliable veteran back could make a move for Conner if he’s having a hard time getting carries. The Bengals<\/a> and Giants jump to mind; they were looking for running back help this offseason but didn’t bring in much.<\/p>\n Conner probably has more trade value than Benson, especially for a team looking to contend needing veteran leadership.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Every team would benefit from Conner.<\/p>\n If he is in the Cardinals’ plans in 2026, it is uncertain how it will be. Will he become a third-down back only? Will he play special teams? Allgeier and Love are the ones likely to shoulder the offensive load. Where does Conner fit in?<\/p>\n Benson is coming off two seasons ending with knee injuries. While he is a former third-round pick and was expected to be a big part of the offense last season, his lack of durability and proven production won’t net much.<\/p>\n Injuries might change things for the Cardinals, but as the season approaches and as the season progresses after its commencement, keep an eye on teams and their running back needs.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Apple podcasts<\/a>.<\/p>\n