Arizona Cardinals: Should They Take a Chance on Aaron Hernandez?

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) is unable to make the catch in the first half of the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Hernandez’s career took an unfortunate turn, and as a result, he’s out of a job.

After he was arrested, the former New England Patriots tight end was cut today. Hernandez is a suspect in a murder case, and he could end up being in jail for a long time. He is currently being taken to jail, and he can’t bail his way out.

Hernandez is currently on waivers, and any team can claim him. The Arizona Cardinals could be that team.

The waiver process lasts 10 days, and the team with the worst record (or highest draft pick) would be awarded Hernandez if multiple teams make an offer. The Cardinals went 5-11 and picked seventh in the 2013 NFL draft, so if they made an offer for him, there’s a good chance that they would get him.

Rob Housler is already a serviceable tight end, but Hernandez is exceptionally talented and athletic. He has accumulated 175 receptions over the course of his three-year career, and he has racked up 18 touchdowns as well. In 2011, Hernandez caught 79 passes and made it into the end zone seven times.

There’s no question that Hernandez could help the Cardinals. Quarterback Carson Palmer already has a lot of weapons around him, but adding more wouldn’t hurt. Plus, Hernandez was effective alongside tight end Rob Gronkowski in New England, and the Cardinals could do the same thing with Housler and Hernandez.

Arizona is a good team with a potent aerial attack, but it can certainly get better. Hernandez would undoubtedly help the Cardinals on the field, but his character concerns present a huge red flag. Even if Hernandez isn’t charged, it doesn’t mean he is perfectly clean.

In fact, a plethora of teams red-flagged Hernandez before the 2010 NFL draft. So, it’s safe to say there are character concerns.

Coach Bruce Arians could likely control Hernandez, but people thought Patriots coach Bill Belichick could do the same. There’s a chance that Hernandez realizes the importance of staying out of trouble after this incident, but it may not be worth the risk.

Housler is a serviceable tight end, and he can certainly help the team with more playing time. The Cardinals don’t need Hernandez, and while he would help on the field, he’s not worth the risk off the field.