The Arizona Cardinals have added depth and physicality to their backfield by signing former Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier. The move gives Arizona a proven early-down runner with a productive track record despite limited opportunities in Atlanta’s crowded backfield.
Allgeier entered the league as a fifth-round pick by the Falcons in 2022 and quickly made an impact. Across four seasons in Atlanta, he appeared in 67 games with 12 starts and totaled 676 carries for 2,876 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He also contributed 61 receptions for 516 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, demonstrating versatility as both a runner and pass catcher.
His rookie campaign in 2022 highlighted his upside as a featured back, when he rushed for 1,035 yards on 210 carries, becoming the first Falcons rookie running back since 1979 to surpass the 1,000-yard mark.
Despite that early success, Allgeier’s role steadily shifted after the Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson in 2023, relegating him to more of a rotational role over the past three seasons.
Limited Role Behind Bijan Robinson
Allgeier’s production dipped in 2025 largely due to decreased usage behind Robinson. He finished the season with 143 carries for 514 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, averaging 3.6 yards per carry while adding 14 receptions for 96 yards.
The snap count disparity between the Falcons’ two running backs illustrates how heavily the offense leaned on Robinson. In 2025, Allgeier logged 243 offensive snaps (29.2% of the team’s offensive snaps), while Robinson handled the majority of the workload and functioned as Atlanta’s primary back.
Even in a reduced role, Allgeier remained a reliable red-zone presence. His eight rushing touchdowns in 2025 ranked among the league’s more productive secondary backs, proving he could still produce when given opportunities.
The limited snaps didn’t erase his effectiveness in short-yardage and power running situations, which likely made him an appealing target for teams seeking a dependable complementary runner.
Why the Signing Makes Sense for Arizona
Arizona’s offense showed flashes in 2025 but still struggled to find consistent balance. The Cardinals produced 5,538 total offensive yards and scored 355 points, averaging 20.9 points per game across 17 games.
The team generated 2,158 rushing yards on the season, indicating a respectable ground attack but one that still lacked consistency in finishing drives and maintaining offensive balance.
Adding Allgeier gives Arizona a downhill runner who can help stabilize the ground game, particularly in short-yardage situations and red-zone packages. His physical running style and durability have been hallmarks of his career, and he has proven capable of handling a significant workload when called upon.
The Cardinals’ offense also benefits from having multiple backs who can split carries and keep the run game fresh over a long season. Allgeier’s ability to operate effectively in a committee makes him a natural fit for that type of system.
A Fresh Opportunity for Allgeier
For Allgeier, the move to Arizona represents an opportunity to reestablish himself as more than just a backup. His early career showed he could be a productive lead back, and his career numbers reflect consistent efficiency and reliability.
After spending the last two seasons as the Falcons’ secondary option behind Robinson, the Cardinals may provide the type of role that allows him to recapture the production he displayed earlier in his career.
If Arizona can integrate his physical rushing style into their offense, Allgeier could play a key role in strengthening the Cardinals’ rushing attack while adding much-needed balance to their offensive approach heading into the upcoming season.
