James Conner is staying in the desert.
The Arizona Cardinals have signed the two-time Pro Bowl running back to a two-year, $19 million contract extension, the team announced Saturday.
In 11 games this year, the 29-year-old has rushed for 705 yards and five touchdowns. Conner was set to be a free agent at the end of the season.
The dual-threat running back joined the Cardinals in 2021 after spending his first four seasons as a Pittsburgh Steeler. In the four seasons in Arizona, Conner has rushed for 3,279 yards and 34 touchdowns while adding 1,128 yards and six TDs through the air.
Durability has been somewhat of an issue for Conner in his career. The University of Pittsburgh product has yet to play a full season in his career. With the questionable durability and impending free agency, Arizona drafted running back Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 draft.
Even with an eye for the future, Conner has been a focal point of the offence, and his success is directly tied to the team’s success. Arizona is 5-1 this season when he reaches 100 scrimmage yards in a game, but 1-4 when he has not.
The Cardinals, who are tied in the top spot of the NCF South, face the Minnesota Vikings Sunday.