Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back signs major contract extension with new team

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner has signed a new two-year, $19 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, according to multiple reports. Conner has been with the Cardinals since 2021 after leaving the Steelers and he has thrived there.

Conner’s problem in Pittsburgh was never the performance, but the injuries. At Arizona, he avoided major injuries and played at a high level for them. That includes a Pro Bowl appearance.

He has amassed over 5,000 rushing yards and continues to be a workhorse out of the backfield for the Cardinals. Conner has rushed for nearly 8,000 yards rushing in his career.

Conner was drafted by the Steelers in the third round against Pitt in the 2017 NFL Draft, taking the place of All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell after Bell held out and decided to move to the New York Jets. He played well and became the Steelers’ best defender, but injuries remained a problem for Conner.

The Steelers drafted Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and let Conner walk, but Conner proved them wrong and enjoyed a career renaissance with the Cardinals.

• BET: Check out our guide on how to do this best PA sportsbookswhere our team of sports betting experts reviewed the experience, payout speed, combination options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.