Arizona Cardinals Lose Javier Arenas to Falcons

Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals kickoff returner Javier Arenas against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

I know not too many people will be broken up over this news, however the Arizona Cardinals did lose one of their free agents today.  Javier Arenas, who spent just the 2013 season with the Cards, was the primary kick returner.  Now, he has signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

Arenas averaged 21.4 yards per return.  His average was second to last in the NFL.  So it is no surprise they allowed Arenas to walk.  He was traded to the Cards by the Kansas City Chiefs last offseason in exchange for fullback Anthony Sherman.

Arenas, also a cornerback, played sparingly on defense last season.  He had just 12 tackles but did pick up one quarterback sack.  Over his career he has four forced fumbles and two interceptions, however none of those came as an Arizona Cardinals defender.  Hopefully he can find a spot in Atlanta and do good things for the Falcons.  It just wasn’t meant to be for him in Arizona.

The Cards have been searching for more defenders through free agency.  They had Antonio Cromartie in last week for a visit and there are reports out that cornerback Mike Jenkins is coming in this week for a visit.  Either player would be an upgrade from Arenas.  Stay tuned.