The Arizona Cardinals have reached new agreements to retain running back James Conner and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, according to NFL Network reporters Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo. These revised deals secure their positions with the team as the Cardinals prepare for the upcoming season.
Details on Contract Adjustments for Conner and Murphy-Bunting
James Conner, 30, was previously set to earn a base salary of $6.39 million in 2026, with a salary cap impact of $9.8 million, as outlined by Over the Cap. Sean Murphy-Bunting, 28, had a deal valued at $7.1 million, carrying a $9.2 million cap hit. While the specific terms of the revised contracts have not been disclosed, the moves ensure continuity for two important contributors on the Arizona roster.
Alongside them, kicker Chad Ryland will return on a one-year contract after facing restricted free agency. Ryland successfully converted 25 of 33 field goal attempts and made all 36 extra-point tries in the 2025 season, solidifying his role on special teams. Punter Blake Gillikin has also secured a one-year agreement reportedly worth up to $2.65 million. Gillikin posted a career-best 51.7-yard average per punt during the 2025 campaign, despite being limited to five games due to a back injury.
Running Back Situation Following Conner’s Return
Conner’s extension follows the Cardinals’ reported decision not to tender running back Emari Demercado, who is expected to enter unrestricted free agency. With Demercado’s departure anticipated, the team’s remaining active running backs under contract for the next season include Trey Benson and Corey Kiner, alongside Conner.
Impact of Injuries on Player Availability
Conner’s 2025 season was restricted to only three games due to a severe foot injury sustained against the San Francisco 49ers. Prior to this setback, he consistently appeared in at least 13 games over each of his first four seasons with Arizona. The former Pittsburgh Steeler recorded over 1,000 rushing yards in back-to-back seasons, compiling 1,040 yards in 2023 and 1,094 yards in 2024.
Throughout his nine-year NFL career, Conner has accumulated 3,782 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns, including postseason performance, on 865 carries. He has also contributed heavily in the passing game with 166 receptions for 1,296 yards and eight touchdowns in 61 total games, including 51 starts.
Sean Murphy-Bunting’s Return and Previous Performance
Murphy-Bunting missed the entire 2025 season due to a non-football injury, opening the door for rookie cornerback Will Johnson, who earned a spot on the All-Rookie team. In 2024, Murphy-Bunting started 15 games for the Cardinals, registering 52 total tackles and defending five passes while playing in 77% of defensive snaps. Before joining Arizona, he spent one season with the Tennessee Titans in 2023 and four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-22) after being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft.
Special Teams Players Secured for the Upcoming Season
The Cardinals’ special teams will feature familiar faces as kicker Chad Ryland and punter Blake Gillikin return on one-year deals. Ryland’s accuracy and consistency in 2025 earned him this renewed opportunity, while Gillikin’s strong punting averages despite a limited schedule demonstrate his value to the team moving forward.
These roster moves aim to provide the Cardinals with stability and experience across key positions, supporting their goals for a competitive season in the NFL.
The Cardinals and two-time Pro Bowl RB James Conner have agreed to a revised contract to keep him in Arizona for 2026, sources say.
Conner played just three games last season because an ankle injury. But he’ll be back at age 31. pic.twitter.com/xYlucNRbJH
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 8, 2026
The #AZCardinals have also agreed to a reworked deal with CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, who missed the 2025 season with an injury. He's back in Arizona for this upcoming season. https://t.co/3usq6fD2cZ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2026
Another #AZCardinals re-signing: K Chad Ryland is returning on a one-year deal, sources say. pic.twitter.com/PVKPAMKHZL
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2026
First the kicker, now the punter for the #AZCardinals: Blake Gillikin has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $2.65M, his agents at @LIFTSPORTSMNGMT tell The Insiders. He missed 12 games with a back injury last season but is healthy now and Arizona moves to retain him ahead of… pic.twitter.com/WtKQziB1zq
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2026
