Arizona Cardinals offseason moves: Are they better at running back?
· Yahoo Sports
The Arizona Cardinals have made several moves in free agency so far. They have addressed many positions. While their moves might not be completely done, we know more or less what each position looks like.
The big question is whether the Cardinals are better as a result of the moves?
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Over the next several articles, we will look at each position group and take a look at which players are not returning and who is new to determine whether they have improved at the position or not.
Let's take a look at running back.
2026 Cardinals offseason moves at running back
Gone:
- Emari Demercado
- Michael Carter
Demercado went untendered by the Cardinals as a restricted free agent and then signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Carter remains unsigned.
Returning:
- James Conner
- Trey Benson
- Bam Knight
- Corey Kiner
Conner, Benson and Knight all ended the season on injured reserve. Conner took a pay cut to return in 2026 and avoid getting cut. Benson enters Year 3 having gotten hurt both seasons he has played. Kiner was a late-season addition with all the injuries.
New additions:
- Tyler Allgeier
Allgeier, the backup to Bijan Robinson with the Atlanta Falcons for the last three seasons after rushing for over 1,000 yards as a rookie fifth-round pick, comes to the Cardinals on a two-year, $12.25 million contract. He is reliable, productive and durable. He projects to either be the starter or a co-No. 1 back with James Conner.
Are the Cardinals better at running back?
Ideally they are. But it depends.
Allgeier is an upgrade, for sure. But the question is whether Conner has anything left at 31 after a serious ankle injury, which came after he did not look explosive in the three games he played in 2025.
Benson can't be counted on. Knight was a good story, but the reality is he only averaged 3.3 yards per rush last season.
Allgeier had a career-low 3.6-yard average last season.
If Conner approaches what he has been and Allgeier is who he has been, and they share the load, they are better at the position. But that only happens if either Conner or Benson is a productive second back.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals offseason moves: Are they better at running back?