Arizona Cardinals Try Out Tight End Jake Ballard
By Scott Allen
Dec 4, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard (85) catches a pass from quarterback Eli Manning (10) while being defended by Green Bay Packers linebacker Rob Francois (49) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Packers defeated the Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
I say why not? In what has been one of the more disappointing positions with the Arizona Cardinals, the tight end is being given a look out in the free agent market. With the current crop, with last years crop, the year before, it has all been a major disappointment.
The Cards tried out former New England Patriots and New York Giants tight end came in for a tryout. The current crop of tight ends in Rob Housler, Jim Dray, Kory Sperry have not been getting it done consistently. Housler was supposed to be the guy groomed to be the star. He’s been anything but. He’s been outplayed by Dray this season to date. The look at the position quite honestly is expected.
Ballard has been trying to comeback from an ACL injury and a microfracture knee surgery. He spent last season on the Patriots injured reserve list and was released by the Pats this past August before the season began. The fact though that the Cards are trying players out at the position at the very least should send a message to the current roster of tight ends. That message is, you’re not getting it done. Good for the Cardinals.