James Conner's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings
Player profile
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HT/WT6' 1'' , 233 lbs
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Birthdate05/05/1995 (29)
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CollegePittsburgh
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Draft Info2017: Rd 3, Pk 105 (PIT)
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StatusActive
2024 season stats
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Rushing Attempts37 6th
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Rushing Yards172 9th
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Rushing Touchdowns2 2nd
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Total DYAR5 26th
ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler believes Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson is likely to cede the majority of rushing attempts to James Conner in 2024. After totaling 1,040 rushing yards in just 13 appearances last season, Conner is locked in as Arizona's lead back to start the campaign. However, the Cardinals selected Benson with the second pick in the third round of the NFL Draft to provide a change of pace in the backfield for this year. It's also worth noting that Conner is riding an expiring contract in 2024, which would figure to make him a trade candidate when we get closer to the deadline around midseason. Benson, 22, profiles similarly to a young J.K. Dobbins based on workout metrics, and he's unlikely to see more than the occasional carry on early downs as an RB4/5 luxury stash in fantasy drafts while Conner is around and healthy in the desert.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner, who is in a contract year, will very much remain the focal point for the team's backfield for the foreseeable future. Fowler thinks Conner still has untapped potential as an RB2 for fantasy managers after coming off a career-best 5.0 yards per carry and his first 1,000-yard rushing campaign in 2023. The only thing that could hold him back from a volume standpoint is durability. The 29-year-old has never played a full season in the NFL, so the Cardinals might manage his workload accordingly. But if his health cooperates, another 200-plus-carry season should be in the cards for Conner. Fantasy managers that roll with Conner as their RB2 would be wise to handcuff him later in drafts with rookie third-rounder Trey Benson, who should eventually leapfrog Emari Demercado as the primary backup in Arizona.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner may have recorded a career-high 1,040 rushing yards in 2023, but he hopes that was his floor and he can build on that total in 2024. "That's the floor," Conner told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. "I want that to be the lowest I rush for in my career going forward. Definitely got a lot of work to put in but that's the floor, not the ceiling." Now 29 years old, Conner still has a solid grasp on the Cardinals' No. 1 running back role even after Arizona added Trey Benson in the draft. He has continued to show that he can make an impact on the ground and through the air, entering 2024 as a solid RB2 option in most fantasy football leagues.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has been one of the most underrated ball carriers in fantasy football over the last few years. The former Pittsburgh Steeler remained productive in his age-28 season last year, rushing 208 times for 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns and catching 27 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He finished as the RB18 in PPR formats despite missing four games due to injury. Heading into 2024, Conner expects more of the same. "That's the floor," Conner said (speaking of a 1,000-yard rushing season), "I want that to be the lowest I rush for in my career going forward." While Arizona selected Florida State running back Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Conner is expected to maintain his workhorse role, at least early in the season. The Cardinals have an ascending offense, so Conner could be a tremendous value pick at RB25 cost in preseason drafts. That said, Conner has never played a full season, so be sure to stash high-upside backs behind him if you roster him.
Arizona Cardinals veteran running back and team captain James Conner is heading into his eighth NFL season in 2024 and his fourth with the Cardinals. He's coming off his first 1,000-yard season as a professional and said he wouldn't mind finishing his NFL career in the desert. Conner has grown close to quarterback Kyler Murray, spending time together on numerous outings. The 29-year-old veteran is entering the last year of the three-year deal he signed in 2022, which has ended up being a bargain for the Cardinals. "It would be awesome to finish my career here, but nothing changes," Conner said. Rookie third-rounder Trey Benson could eventually take over Conner's spot as the team's lead back, but as far as 2024 in concerned, Conner should remain the team's lead back in what should be an improved offense.