GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals are cutting ties with their veteran running back and have released Michael Carter, and that move has brought speculation on what the roster move was for, in hopes that the Cards will make a trade for a star RB.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The #Cardinals released veteran RB Michael Carter, per the wire.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 27, 2025
The 26-year-old back flashed spurts of versatility, but Arizona’s offense has been desperate for consistency since its star RB James Conner went down. The decision feels less like a dismissal and more like a reset, an organizational pause before a bigger swing. After Conner’s injury, the Cardinals have had to rely on Trey Benson, Emari Demarcado, Michael Carter, and Bam Knight. With another injury to Benson, and the major miscues from Demercado and Carter, the path had opened for rookie Bam Knight, although some don’t think that is good enough for Arizona.
Oct 12, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Arizona running back Carter (22) avoids a tackle by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards (35) during the fourth quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
This is less about Carter himself and more about what comes next. In a league where running back depth defines playoff survival, Arizona may see opportunity in the market. The Cardinals could quietly target a young, underused back before the trade window closes. The biggest names that Cards fans are eyeing, are the New York Jets RB Breece Hall, New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara, and Tennessee Titans RB Tony Pollard.
New York Jets running Breece Hall (20) runs against Arizona cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 10, 2024. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Cardinals fans speculate on a massive trade for a star RB:
Breece to Cardinals???
— Von (@Voncheeze) October 27, 2025
Kamara watch 👀
— Chris Homer (@Homer629) October 27, 2025
Breece Hall trade incoming??
— Dakotas Dinkeye (@BADNEWSBOND) October 27, 2025
Tony Pollard YOU are an Arizona Cardinal
— Colby B (@brownc74) October 27, 2025
Tony pollard or Breece
— Mike Bottone (@Bottone518) October 27, 2025
Locally, fans see a team trying to stay competitive in the NFC West, but have seen the mounting frustrations in the last five weeks. Nationally, the move signals how modern front offices view running backs not as fixtures, but as fluid assets to be flipped, upgraded, or replaced. James Conner, who was a fan favorite and a grinder with a hard-nosed work ethic, has had an uncertain future after his season-ending injury earlier this year. Seeing instability at his position rekindles familiar frustration, and a team searching for an identity just as it starts to believe again.
Sep 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Kamara (41) scores a touch down during the second quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Cardinals mentioned in trade rumors surrounding Marvin Harrison Jr.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
