When the Arizona Cardinals selected running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, it sent ripples through their backfield. The move has reshuffled the depth chart and turned one of their once-promising rushers into a potential trade chip: Trey Benson.

While the Cardinals haven't publicly shopped Benson, his path to a Week 1 roster spot looks increasingly narrow. The math is simple: Love was a top-three pick, Tyler Allgeier was guaranteed $7 million in 2026 to sign with Arizona, and James Conner's restructured deal locks in nearly all of his $2.35 million salary. That's three running backs with significant investment.

The battle for the fourth spot comes down to Benson, Bam Knight, and Corey Kiner. Benson, a former third-round pick once viewed as a future starter, has struggled to stay on the field—his past two seasons both ended with injuries. Meanwhile, Knight stepped up as a starter when Conner and Benson went down, and he adds value as a kick returner.

Benson's 2026 salary sits at just over $1.3 million, but the fourth running back role typically requires special teams contributions. In two NFL seasons, Benson has logged zero special teams snaps—a glaring gap for a player fighting for a roster spot.

That said, Benson still offers intriguing tools. He's flashed top-end speed, averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry in his career, and has the size to handle a heavier workload. For a team in need of backfield depth, he could be worth a late Day 3 draft pick as the season approaches.

For fantasy owners and Cardinals fans alike, Benson's situation is one to watch. His combination of upside and affordability could make him a valuable trade target for a team looking to bolster its ground game.