GLENDALE – After a quiet rookie campaign, Trey Benson is ready to shake up the Arizona Cardinals’ backfield in 2025.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Drafted in the third round in 2024 as a potential successor to veteran James Conner, the former Florida State standout saw limited action last season, logging just 63 carries for 291 yards and a single touchdown. Now entering Year 2, Benson is focused, confident, and ready to earn a larger role.
“I’m in a mode right now,” Benson told Bob McManaman of AZ Central. “I feel like I’ll get more opportunities and help James out more. I feel like we can have two RB1s on this team. That’s my mindset this year.”
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The league saw the Detroit Lions take over offensively with their two star backs in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The Cardinals could try to replicate that type of production with Benson and Conner. Each of them are bigger backs, standing at 6’1, and pack a serious punch 225+ pounds.
Arizona Cardinals running backs James Conner (6) and Trey Benson (33) high-five before they play against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 15, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Arizona’s offensive line still has an All-Pro caliber center in Hjalte Froholdt leading the rushing attack, which has been top five the past two seasons. Conner just turned 30 years old and could begin to slow down production-wise, which gives Benson an opportunity to prove himself with more carries. The 22-year-old believes he’s in that mode to carry the responsibility of taking over the running game and only time will tell if he can back it up on the field.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
