The Cardinals have completed rookie-deal negotiations with third-round pick Trey Benson. With Arizona announcing the running back’s signing Thursday, all non-first-round picks have agreed to their four-year rookie pacts.
Only three players remain unsigned. The Vikings have not signed either of their two first-rounders — J.J. McCarthy, Dallas Turner — and the Bengals have not yet come to terms with tackle Amarius Mims. Of course, modern rookie deals do not feature the kind of complications they brought before the 2011 CBA introduced the slot system. It should be expected Minnesota and Cincinnati will wrap these processes soon, as rookies are now in training camp.
Benson’s contract comes shortly after the Jets agreed to terms with their third-round pick, wide receiver Malachi Corley. Considering Corley was chosen one spot in front of the Florida State alum, who went 66th overall, the Cardinals’ final unsigned draftee appeared on track to finish off this process. After all, every other third-rounder — including the Cardinals’ other three Round 3 choices — had been signed for weeks now.
Arizona has not featured too much in the way of James Conner insurance during the ex-Steeler’s time in the desert. Benson stands to provide some and could well become Conner’s successor. The starter’s three-year, $21MM deal expires after the 2024 season. Entering this campaign, however, Benson should mix in as a backup. Conner has missed time in each of his three Cardinals seasons, however, clearing a path for the rookie and 2023 waiver claim Michael Carter.
This year’s draft did not feature the level of RB prospects the 2023 class brought. No back came off the board until the Panthers traded up for Jonathon Brooks at No. 46. Benson became the second RB selected. Benson put together 990- and 906-yard showings over the past two seasons with the Seminoles. The Oregon transfer caught 20 passes for 227 yards in 2023, completing a 15-touchdown college finale. Accumulating only 316 college carries, Benson soon clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash time at the Combine to present an intriguing profile for NFL teams.
Here is how the Cardinals’ 2024 draft class looks as first-year players get to work:
- Round 1, No. 4: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State) (signed)
- Round 1, No. 27 (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 43 (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 66: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
- Round 3, No. 71 (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 82 (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 90 (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 104: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 138: Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 162 (from Texans): Christian Jones (OT, Texas) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 191 (from Colts): Tejhaun Palmer (WR, UAB) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 226 (from Giants): Jaden Davis (CB, Miami) (signed)