GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals had seven running backs on the roster in 2025, with none of them garnering over 350 yards. The team was 31st in rushing yards per game, with Michael Carter and Emari Demercado being the two team leaders. The injury to James Conner and Trey Benson derailed Arizona’s run game and led to the disastrous production from the unit. General manager Monti Ossenfort knew change was need and spent plenty of resources on upgrades.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ossenfort would sign Tyler Allgeier in free agency and drafted Jeremiyah Love third overall. Two high-cailber running backs replacing Carter and Demercado has experts believing in the hype. ESPN’s Ben Solak wrote about the top 10 biggest year-to-year upgrades by an NFL team at a certain position. The Cardinals’ running back room finished at the top spot.
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Solak’s on Cardinals massive upgrade in backfield:
“Carter and Knight were also two of the six worst rushers by yards over expectation last season, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Carter averaged 0.8 fewer yards than expected per rush; Knight was just above him at 0.7.
“At this point, the Love and Allgeier combo makes the Cardinals’ RB room one of the league’s most improved positional groups, hence the No. 1 ranking here. Love has the lightning-quick speed and tackle-breaking ability to pair nicely with Allgeier’s gristly style, and he catches the passes on third down that Allgeier doesn’t want to see.”
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) runs with the ball during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The offensive line was dreadful for the franchise too. The blame falls on the shoulders of that unit, plagued by injuries as well. Ossenfort spent even more resources upgrading that group, signing four offensive lineman and drafting guard Chase Bisontis in the secound round. With those amount of players and money thrown at those two position groups, it’s no wonder why Solak sees big things for the Cardinals run game in 2026.
Which young Cardinals star is ready for a breakout season in 2026?
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
