The Cardinals doubled their win total in 2024, finishing the year with eight victories after back-to-back four win seasons. It's a step in the right direction for the Cardinals as general manager Monti Ossenfort is set to improve the team heading into 2025. While Ossenfort is credited for piecing together strong draft classes, the organization will take its swing at free agency first.
Free Agent primer schedule: Inside Linebackers Feb. 27, Wide Receivers March 3, Offensive Line March 5, Defensive Line March 6
Other free agent primers: OLB, TE, QB, Secondary, Special Teams
Cap hit of players under contract for 2025 (via OverTheCap.com): James Conner ($6,440,000), DeeJay Dallas ($3,068,333), Trey Benson ($1,377,183), Michael Carter ($1,270,000), Emari Demercado ($1,035,000), Zonovan Knight ($1,030,000)
Analysis: If there is any position the Cardinals likely won't attack this offseason, it'd be the running back room. The unit has been one of the Cardinals' strong suits throughout the Jonathan Gannon regime. In back-to-back seasons, James Conner has reached a career-high in rushing yards. Paired with a solid offensive line, the Cardinals have been in the upper half of the league in the running game.
All of the running backs are under contract heading into the 2025 season. Conner signed a contract extension last season, locking in his deal through 2027. He's been the heartbeat of the offense and serves as a role model for Trey Benson.
The Cardinals drafted Benson in the third-round last April, and in 13 games, the rookie rushed for 291 yards on 63 carries. The staff complimented Benson as he progressed throughout the season. DeeJay Dallas, a free agency acquisition in 2024, spent majority of the campaign on special teams, but did see an increase in offensive playing time after Conner, Benson, and Emari Demercado were placed on Injured Reserve.
Michael Carter spent nearly the entire season on practice squad, but he rushed for 131 yards in the last three games of the season, providing a spark for an offensive unit scattered with injuries. He signed a contract through 2025 near the end of the season.
With the combine beginning this week, there will be a lot of comments linking Arizona State fan favorite Cam Skattebo to the Cardinals. That opportunity will be discussed in the draft primers leading up to Apr. 24.
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
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) lines up in the backfield during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. The Ravens defeated the Chargers 30-23. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) breaks the tackle of Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs the ball during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Pittsburgh. The Bengals defeated the Steelers 19-17. (Lauren Bacho via AP)
Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (right) tackle Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. The Commanders defeated the Cowboys, 23-19. (James D. Smith via AP)
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Lauren Bacho via AP)
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) runs with the ball during an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (Nicole Pennetta/Denver Broncos via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs for yardage against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL football game, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Chiefs defeated the Steelers 29-10. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (28) is tackled by Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (9) during an NFL preseason game, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 in Cleveland. The Packers beat the Browns 23-10. (Lauren Bacho via AP)
Miami Dolphins runningback Raheem Mostert (31) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Miami Dolphins via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine runs for a first down against the Buffalo Bills near the end of the NFL AFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Bills by a score of 32-29. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
