Arizona Cardinals Claim CB Alfonzo Dennard Off Waivers
By Scott Allen
Cornerback-heavy New England Patriots placed Dennard on waivers on Tuesday
You see an opportunity, you take it, especially if you’re in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals saw a great opportunity after the New England Patriots released cornerback Alfonzo Dennard on Tuesday. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cardinals claimed Dennard off of waivers on Wednesday afternoon.
Dennard was the odd-man out of the Patriots draft. The draft left the Patriots with six cornerbacks after they drafted three and had three holdovers from last season.
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Dennard played in six games in 2014 and started four of the for the Super Bowl Champions. He had one interception in 2014. In three seasons in New England, Dennard played in 29 games, starting 20 of them, and had five interceptions.
Cardinals have claimed former Patriots CB Alfonzo Dennard off of waivers, per @FieldYates.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 6, 2015
Coach Bruce Arians had said he was happy with what he had at cornerback and had all the confidence in the world in guys like Justin Bethel and Jerraud Powers. I think it is safe to say that still holds true today and many Cardinals fans, including myself, agree with that. However, it was also necessary to get another veteran guy.
Now, the term veteran here is used loosely but he’s played in 29 NFL games in three seasons. He also has a Super Bowl ring. He has the experience of playing on a winning team. That goes a long way.
Now Dennard comes with off-the-field baggage. In February 2013, Dennard was arrested and eventually convicted of felony assault on a police officer. Quite frankly, I’m a bit surprised Steve Keim went after such a guy. Later in July of the same year he was arrested for DUI. This is not what the Arizona Cardinals are about in my opinion.
However there is no denying the talent is there. He had two good seasons to start his career but what happened in 2014? His numbers indicate it had to be an easier decision than you think for the Cardinals to make Dennard the odd man out. He’s been clean for almost two years without incident. Let’s hope everything in 2013 is well behind him.