The Arizona Cardinals waived running back Trey Benson on Monday, ending the tenure of the former third-round draft pick selected in 2024.
Benson was chosen 66th overall out of Florida State after a productive college career that included two seasons of second-team All-ACC honors.
In his NFL rookie year, he appeared in 13 games for Arizona, rushing 63 times for 291 yards and one touchdown while catching six passes for 59 yards. An ankle injury landed him on injured reserve late in the 2024 season, limiting him further.
The 2025 campaign began with Benson serving as the primary backup to veteran James Conner. After Conner suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3, Benson stepped into a larger role and posted solid early numbers.
In Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks, however, he sustained a meniscus injury that required arthroscopic surgery. Benson finished that year with just four games played, totaling 160 rushing yards on 29 carries and 13 receptions for 64 yards.
The Cardinals opened his practice window for a potential return from injured reserve, but a setback during recovery prevented him from playing again that season. Heading into 2026, Arizona reshaped its running back group by signing free agent Tyler Allgeier and drafting Jeremiyah Love high in the draft.
Benson, now 24, continued dealing with flare-ups related to his surgically repaired knee throughout training camp. He was limited in practices and had not fully participated in recent full-squad sessions as the roster cutdown approached.
Career statistics for Benson stand at 451 rushing yards and one touchdown on 92 carries, plus 19 receptions for 123 yards across 17 games.
Before reaching the NFL, Benson began at Oregon, where a significant knee injury caused him to miss the 2020 season entirely and limited him the following year. He transferred to Florida State and flourished, rushing for 990 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022, then 906 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023.
Over those two seasons with the Seminoles, he amassed 1,896 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging more than six yards per carry, while also contributing as a receiver.
Athletic testing at the NFL scouting combine, including a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, highlighted his speed and reinforced his draft stock.
Despite the physical tools and college production, persistent injuries have hindered his development in the professional ranks.
The Cardinals’ decision frees a roster spot amid a crowded backfield that now includes Allgeier, Love, Conner and additional depth options. Benson will go through the waiver process, where other teams seeking running back help could claim him if he is healthy enough to contribute.
His four-year rookie contract carried a 2026 salary-cap hit of approximately $1.65 million, reflecting the remaining value of the original deal signed after the draft.
For a player once viewed as a potential long-term piece in Arizona’s offense, the move marks an abrupt close to his time with the franchise that selected him.
