(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Former Steelers running back James Conner has found a new team almost a month after the start of free agency. The Cardinals announced today that they've agreed to terms with Conner on a one-year contract.
Conner was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Pitt. In four seasons with the Steelers, he rushed for 2,302 yards on 532 carries (4.3 average) and 22 touchdowns. In the air, Conner had 124 receptions for 963 yards (7.8 average) and four touchdowns.
Conner had a Pro Bowl year in 2018 with 973 yards rushing and 497 yards receiving, along with a total of 13 touchdowns, but durability issues really plagued him in Pittsburgh, as he never played a full season during his tenure with the Steelers.
In 2020, Conner rushed for 721 on 169 carries (4.3 average) and six touchdowns in 13 games. He also had 35 receptions for 215 yards (6.1 average).
Arizona was looking to add a running back after last year’s leading rusher Kenyan Drake signed with Las Vegas in free agency.
Conner will compete with Chase Edmunds for the No. 1 running back role in Arizona. Conner had toe surgery this offseason to repair a very moderate turf toe-type injury, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The procedure was done by renowned specialist Dr. Robert Anderson. The injury incurred while riding in a recreational vehicle. Conner is expected to fully recover by June.
Along with being with the Steelers the last four years, Conner is an Erie native and played at Pitt, so this will be the first time that he's played for a team outside of Pennsylvania.