Cardinals Embrace Backfield Duo of Allgeier and Conner

Coach Mike LaFleur sees similarities in the team's top two running backs

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football running play broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the Cardinals' backfield.The Cardinals' backfield duo of Conner and Allgeier represents a modern, flexible approach to the running game.Atlanta Today

The Arizona Cardinals are embracing a backfield duo of Tyler Allgeier and James Conner, two running backs with similar styles that coach Mike LaFleur believes can both be productive. While the team could still address the offensive line in the draft, LaFleur is confident in the veteran talent they've added in free agency and is willing to lean on Allgeier, Conner, and potentially Trey Benson to carry the load in the running game.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' decision to build around Allgeier and Conner in the backfield reflects a league-wide trend towards running back committees rather than relying on a single workhorse. This approach aims to keep both players fresh and productive throughout the season, rather than risking overuse of one back.

The details

Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur sees similarities in the running styles of Tyler Allgeier and James Conner, but he isn't worried about redundancy. LaFleur has learned that running backs come in all shapes and sizes, and the key is finding players who can produce. Both Allgeier and Conner are described as smart, tough, and great leaders in the locker room. While Trey Benson offers a different skill set, he'll need to prove he can produce to earn a role. The Cardinals are willing to lean on the Allgeier-Conner duo, even with the potential to add an offensive lineman early in the draft.

  • The Cardinals signed free agent guard Isaac Seumalo and tackle Elijah Wilkinson in the offseason.

The players

Mike LaFleur

The head coach of the Arizona Cardinals who has embraced a backfield duo of Tyler Allgeier and James Conner.

Tyler Allgeier

A running back for the Arizona Cardinals who has a similar playing style to teammate James Conner.

James Conner

A running back for the Arizona Cardinals who has a similar playing style to teammate Tyler Allgeier.

Trey Benson

A running back for the Arizona Cardinals who offers a different skill set compared to Allgeier and Conner.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back who was the Cardinals' 3rd overall draft pick, though it's unclear if he will fit into the team's plans.

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What they’re saying

“I can totally see how you see (that)”

— Mike LaFleur, Cardinals coach

“What I have learned about backs, I used to be stubborn in what I was looking for. I was probably wrong more than I was right. what I have learned about backs, they come in all shapes and sizes, but are they producing? Both those guys are smart, they are tough, they are great leaders for the locker room. ... They are similar but they have both produced.”

— Mike LaFleur, Cardinals coach

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to evaluate their offensive line options in the upcoming draft, with tackle prospects like Francis Mauigoa potentially being targeted early on.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' decision to build their backfield around the complementary skills of Tyler Allgeier and James Conner reflects a league-wide shift towards running back committees. This approach aims to keep both players fresh and productive, rather than relying on a single workhorse back.