James Conner Fantasy Overview

Arizona showed us what it thinks of RB Jeremiyah Love’s talent by drafting him third overall this spring, to a team with plenty of needs. But coaches aren’t doing anything to anoint him an immediate backfield leader at the start of camp. Free-agent addition Tyler Allgeier reportedly opened with the starters at the team’s first open practice, and OC Nathaniel Hackett mentioned James Conner first when asked broadly about the outlook for his 2026 backfield.

The Cardinals selected RB Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. He's the first RB selected in the top 5 since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Love dominated as a two-year starter at Notre Dame, averaging 6.9 yards per carry over that span. He also led the FBS with 40 total TDs. The 212-pounder was the clear RB1 in this class. Among the 20 RBs invited to the NFL Combine, Love ranked fourth in 2025 rushing market share (55.9%) and first in yards after contact per attempt (4.5). He ranked second in 2025 in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.28) and third in receiving yards per route run (1.83).

RB Tyler Allgeier signed a two-year, $12.25 million contract with the Cardinals, joining James Conner and Trey Benson. After serving as the backup to Bijan Robinson over the past three seasons, Allgeier will compete for carries in a crowded situation. Conner took a paycut to stay with the Cardinals, so Allgeier could lead the backfield in touches. But this certainly wasn't the ideal signing for Allgeier's fantasy value in 2026.

RB James Conner and the Cardinals have agreed to a revised contract to keep him in Arizona for the 2026 season. "Conner was set to earn $6.39 million in 2026 with a $9.83 million cap hit. To avoid being released for cap savings, Conner's deal was revised," ESPN's Josh Weinfuss writes.