James Conner signed a new contract with the Arizona Cardinals in Free Agency this Tuesday. So after 8 years in the city of Pittsburgh, Conner took to social media to show his love for the city. Conner signed deal contains a $500,000 signing bonus and a guaranteed salary of $1.25 million, bringing the total deal to $1.75 million.
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James Conner played RB for 4 years at the University of Pittsburgh between 2013 and 2016. While at Pitt, he’d put together stellar 2014 (1,835 scrimmage yards, 26 touchdowns) and 2016 (1,394 scrimmage yards, 20 touchdowns) seasons. And then was drafted with the 105th pick in the 2017 draft by the hometown Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Arizona Cardinals and James Conner have agreed to terms on a one-year contract.
Conner will reunite with James Saxon, who was his position coach in Pittsburgh in 2017 and 2018. pic.twitter.com/85a8IFUvZh
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 13, 2021
Welcome to the Valley, @JamesConner_!
We have agreed to terms with RB James Conner on a one-year contract.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 13, 2021
James Conner tweeted his love for the city of Pittsburgh.
After 4 years with the Pitt Panthers and then 4 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Conner took to Twitter soon after the signing to applaud his home for nearly a decade.
S/o to everyone who represented that #30 jersey with pride and as a symbol of strength. It’s all love forever. 💪🏽
— James Conner (@JamesConner_) April 13, 2021
Conner became a household name in Pittsburgh for his stellar performances both at college and in the pros. His rookie year didn’t see him face much action. But after RB1 Le’Veon Bell’s contract dispute in 2018 saw him sit out the season, Conner took the league by storm.
James Conner amassed almost 1500 yards in 13 games for the Steelers, which earned him a Pro Bowl nod in only his first season as a starter. His last two seasons have been disappointing in comparison, as Conner missed nine combined games and struggled to replicate his per-carry production.
It’s official. #AZCardinals sign RB James Conner to one-year contract. During his Pro Bowl season in 2018 under RB coach James Saxon, Conner gained 1,470 yds from scrimmage (5.4 yds per touch) + 13 TDs. pic.twitter.com/fDqWsv9Mij
— Paul Calvisi (@PaulCalvisi) April 13, 2021
Conner had 721 rushing yards and six touchdowns while adding 215 receiving yards on 35 receptions in 2020. Conner is a quality back but his lack of burst makes him more valuable as a part of 1-2 punch rather than a solo leader. With him and Chase Edmonds in the backfield, along with QB Kyler Murray’s rushing ability, the field will only open more for star WR’s Deandre Hopkins and A.J Green.
The Cardinals will be assured of at least Conner’s incredible work ethic. James Conner survived Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2015, and came out the other end more determined than ever. We all hope the Pittsburgh native can return to his former productivity with the Arizona Cardinals.
