Conner re-signs for 2 years, $19 million

[Stout]

Agree but don't think that will be the case. Conner has never been a guy who relies on speed and that's what usually goes first.

See what Ouchie said below, and also remember his injury problems. The likelihood he sees out the contract as a highly effective RB are small. Simple math. Father time is undefeated, especially with RBs.

 

[football karma]

curious to see the structure of the contract

I dont think its a stretch to see Connor still being productive next year and "mostly" productive the year after that --

especially if Benson takes a larger role

its also about (IMO) organization culture is built by what gets rewarded -

JC is the archtype of what the organization wants culturally ---

so its hard to preach "be like this", when a productive player that exemplifies "this" is allowed to walk in favor of someone younger/cheaper

 

[schutd]

Never got this argument. A dude with poor speed can’t afford to lose any of it worse than a guy who has awesome speed. If she automatically saps speed it should do it across the board. So a guy with poor speed becomes a guy with zero speed. How often does zero speed succeed in the league? I’ll give you only example I could ever think of: old Ottis anderson.

I kind of get it. But I also see your questioning of it.

There are guys that rely on their speed to be effective. There are guys who have a mix of speed, elusiveness, and smarts to get the job done. They have more longevity, and there are guys, lunch pail guys who were never gifted athletically with true speed, but have the the power, the smarts, and the ability to break tackles that have carved out a nice career for themselves. Conner feels like that guy. He takes care of himself. He's intelligent, he's passionate, and as long as he can stave off the truly debilitating injury, I think this will prove to be a very good signing.

 

[Shane]

Heck in the last year of this contract all he has to be is our Jerome Bettis at the goal line money well spent.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I think the fact that the team knows he won’t be our belllcow makes the signing fine.

 

[MadCardDisease]

One less thing to worry about in the offseason. Super happy for JC. Well deserved.

 

[JosiahLee]

curious to see the structure of the contract

I dont think its a stretch to see Connor still being productive next year and "mostly" productive the year after that --

especially if Benson takes a larger role

its also about (IMO) organization culture is built by what gets rewarded -

JC is the archtype of what the organization wants culturally ---

so its hard to preach "be like this", when a productive player that exemplifies "this" is allowed to walk in favor of someone younger/cheaper

Great take. They absolutely rewarded him for not only being a great football player but a great leader and culture carrier.

 

[Harry]

Right deal at the right price. It takes the pressure off transitioning to Benson. I think Connor will continues to his current role and is certainly solid for a few more years.

 

[The6]

Well done. This guy's on demon time. Just get out his way

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Father time is undefeated, especially with RBs.

Fact

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Yes, the running back market has changed

The NFL is a copycat league.

www.nbcsports.com

The NFL is a copycat league. And the Cardinals have opted not to repeat the mistakes of teams like the Giants, Titans, and Raiders.

Those teams watched high-end tailbacks walk away earlier this year, in Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs, respectively. The Cardinals won’t let that happen with James Conner.

At a reported two-years and $19 million (the full structure will reveal the true value and extent of the commitment), Conner’s deal is better on its face than the two-year, $16 million signed by Henry with the Ravens in March.

But Henry got his deal before the NFL gained a new appreciation for running backs. Not all of them. Just the very best of them.

That’s ultimately the line of demarcation. The average running back can be swapped out for a younger, cheaper, healthier model. Great running backs can’t easily be replaced.