James Conner & SMB Restructures - Will Be Back

[Totally_Red]

Curious what the restructure does… are we pushing some of their money into next year’s cap or are they both just taking straight up pay cuts. If they’re pay cuts, fine… they both bring very little to the table at this point but whatever. If we’re just opening up a little more cap space and pushing those salaries into the future for guys on their last legs on a complete rebuild, this makes very little sense to me.

Most likely a salary reduction with the chance to earn some or most of it back by reaching certain incentives.

 

[CFLredzoned]

If they were planning on riding with Conner and Benson as #1 and 2, I don't think they would have let Demercado go. I think they see Benson as #3. And Conner and yet to be named as 1 and 2. At least that's what they're hoping for I think. I guess it really depends on what Conner got reduced to though.

 

[kerouac9]

I don't think SMB and STV are slot corners though.

SMB’s most effective role is as a slot corner historically

 

[HairZach]

If they were planning on riding with Conner and Benson as #1 and 2, I don't think they would have let Demercado go. I think they see Benson as #3. And Conner and yet to be named as 1 and 2. At least that's what they're hoping for I think. I guess it really depends on what Conner got reduced to though.

Historically the injury Conner is coming off of leaves RBs severely gimped for the next season. Conner was already losing work to Benson before his injury. Benson will be ahead of Conner next season, whether he can stay healthy is the question.

Maybe Monti let Demercado go because he's still mad about the Tennessee game. Demercado is just a 2 minute drill/special teams back, he is easily replaced. They can bring in a day 3 rookie to be Demercado.

 

[kerouac9]

gimped

Bro

 

[PDXChris]

SMB’s most effective role is as a slot corner historically

Thanks, that was what I thought.

 

[PDXChris]

Historically the injury Conner is coming off of leaves RBs severely gimped for the next season. Conner was already losing work to Benson before his injury. Benson will be ahead of Conner next season, whether he can stay healthy is the question.

Maybe Monti let Demercado go because he's still mad about the Tennessee game. Demercado is just a 2 minute drill/special teams back, he is easily replaced. They can bring in a day 3 rookie to be Demercado.

Demercado was not let go. They just did not want him at the tender price. There is a strong chance he still comes back.

Emari Demercado entering free agency, but Cardinals reunion still not out of question

Cardinals running back Emari Demercado will be entering free agency, although Arizona could look to bring him back.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[Solar7]

With this move we are almost certainly going into the season with Benson and Conner as our top 2 RBs.

I think it definitely keeps the door open for Love. I don't see us grabbing anyone of note in FA though (Walker, Etienne, Allgeier, White, etc.). We can't expect to rely on Benson and Conner as our starters. They can't stay healthy. Conner isn't even that great, and with age and a major injury, will be worse.

 

[602 Native]

This is typical stupid Cards.

You are going to pass on love and go into the season with a broken down RB and an injury prone one.

 

[HairZach]

I think it definitely keeps the door open for Love. I don't see us grabbing anyone of note in FA though (Walker, Etienne, Allgeier, White, etc.). We can't expect to rely on Benson and Conner as our starters. They can't stay healthy. Conner isn't even that great, and with age and a major injury, will be worse.

It wouldnt stop us from drafting Love. But if we don't take Love, its going to be Benson and Conner as 1a/1b, and a day 3 rookie at best as #3

Maybe we sign Sean Tucker? He's been a #3 his whole career and might not cost very much.

 

[Proteus]

SMB’s most effective role is as a slot corner historically

Really? I don't recall the Cards using him in that role.

 

[Solar7]

It wouldnt stop us from drafting Love. But if we don't take Love, its going to be Benson and Conner as 1a/1b, and a day 3 rookie at best as #3

Maybe we sign Sean Tucker? He's been a #3 his whole career and might not cost very much.

Yeah, agreed with that then. I would guess signing someone like Sean Tucker would come after the draft if we don't take someone late.

 

[slanidrac16]

I think it definitely keeps the door open for Love. I don't see us grabbing anyone of note in FA though (Walker, Etienne, Allgeier, White, etc.). We can't expect to rely on Benson and Conner as our starters. They can't stay healthy. Conner isn't even that great, and with age and a major injury, will be worse.

I doubt it now.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I'm sure Connor is a great guy and a plus in the locker room but I see no reason he should be on the 2026 roster.

This tells me Baker will be back at safety as well. Not an ideal way to rebuild Monti.

 

[Denny Green Fan]

He's pretty bad at playing running back, but his speed is elite. Wouldn't be a bad pick, although I doubt he would play much year 1.

I seen a mock draft this morning

I doubt it now.

i just can’t see Monti taking a running back at 3…my guess is he wants to trade down for a o lineman…eat his vegetables…

 

[cardpa]

I think the chances of a FA running back signing here has diminished greatly. If they want a similar type RB as Conner is, then draft take Kayton Allen out of PSU.

 

[Denny Green Fan]

I think the chances of a FA running back signing here has diminished greatly. If they want a similar type RB as Conner is, then draft take Kayton Allen out of PSU.

Jonah Coleman yet another candidate at 65….

 

[cardpa]

Apparently Gillikin and Ryland signed one year deals.

 

[Dayman]

Running backs have the fewest prime years of any position. I don't see the point of drafting one in the first 3 rounds if they are going to play behind Conner and Benson for their first year.

I also don't get re-signing SMB if he is going to play behind Johnson, Melton and Burke. And Wiliams when he comes back. I'm guessing Melton is going to be the odd man out.

 

[oaken1]

what the actual **** are they thinking?
Im as big a JC fan as anybody,...dude beat cancer...helluva story..provides leadership...awesome, that has worked so well for us to date...
but dude is 31 and only the rarest of elites are effective past this point...

bad move...should have sent him back to Pittsburgh to retire a stiller

 

[kerouac9]

Really? I don't recall the Cards using him in that role.

Shocking that the Cards weren’t deploying players in their most useful roles.

He played a lot of slot in Tampa and TN. We didn’t have (m)any perimeter corners in 2024 so he spent a lot of time out there.

 

[Stout]

It would not surprise me with a Love pick at 3.

I think this categorically eliminates Love as the pick.

 

[Stout]

See…you know how this is going down but you don’t want to admit it.

Yes, and it absolutely stinks. Monti clowning us even before FA starts smh

 

[RON_IN_OC]

Is it possible, at least Conners restructure actually makes it easier to cut him, if he's truly washed during preseason? I know a lot of vets restructure, only to get cut later anyway.

 

[Weenus O'Baggins]

I don't doubt his heart and I appreciate he wants to stay but his days are done. SMB might be okay back as long as it's a straight pay cut