When the Arizona Cardinals drafted running back Jeremiyah Love third overall in the 2026 NFL draft last month, the running back room changed and shifted projections for the final roster.
A player the Cardinals once were counting on as a key cog in their offense is now a trade candidate.
RB Trey Benson, trade candidate
There have been no reports of the Cardinals shopping Benson, but his spot on the roster seems unlikely for Week 1.
Three backs are destined for the roster:
- Jeremiyah Love
- Tyler Allgeier
- James Conner
Love was drafted third overall. Allgeier was given and guaranteed $7 million in 2026 to sign with the Cardinals. Conner’s deal was restructured but almost all his $2.35 million salary is guaranteed.
Who will be the fourth running back? It is a battle between Benson, Bam Knight and Corey Kiner.
Benson, a former third-round pick who many believed could turn into a starter, is coming off his second straight year that ended with an injury. Knight ended up a starter after Conner and Benson got hurt, and he also is a good kick returner.
Benson doesn’t make a ton of money in 2026 (more than $1.3 million), but a fourth running back needs to contribute on special teams. In two NFL season, he has as many special teams snaps as I do (zero).
He has top-end speed. He has averaged 5.4 yards per attempt in his career. He has good size. He has value and upside.
As the season approaches, he might be able to be dealt for a late Day 3 pick.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals RB Trey Benson now a trade candidate after NFL draft