The Arizona Cardinals and running back James Conner have reworked his contract to keep him with the team for the 2026 season, according to NFL Network. Conner was set to earn $6.39 million with a $9.83 million cap hit, which would have made him a cap casualty if changes weren't made. The restructuring allows the nine-year veteran to avoid release.

Conner, who turns 31 on May 5th, played in just three games last season after suffering an ankle injury in Week 3 against San Francisco. Despite the shortened season, he managed 95 rushing yards after posting back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2023 and 2024. The Alabama native is entering his sixth season with Arizona after signing a two-year extension in late 2024.

The nine-year veteran has accumulated 6,065 rushing yards and 2,255 receiving yards on 289 catches in his career, scoring 72 total touchdowns (60 rushing). His durability and production over the past two seasons made him a valuable asset for the Cardinals' offense.