Cornerback possibilities for the Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
How the Arizona Cardinals could bolster the cornerback position with players currently the property of other organizations
We’ve all done it as fans of the Arizona Cardinals. We’ve put ourselves in the shoes of GM Steve Keim, coming up with trades, jotting down names of college players we feel they should draft, circling players of need on free agent lists.
This piece goes a little further, focusing on players who may or may not become available.
Anyway you look at it this Arizona Cardinals roster could use some depth at the corner position. There is one sure thing in perennial Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson. Justin Bethel, the other projected starter, has had his moments but has also been shaky at times.
The rest of the group consists of rookies like Brandon Williams and Harlan Miller, quasi names such as Asa Jackson and Cariel Brooks and not much else.
The following list is made up of CBs who could possibly be had with a trade offer or flat out could be released before the season begins:
Brandon Carr, Dallas Cowboys – At 6’0, 210 Carr has the kind of size the Cards covet in their corners. The eight year veteran is no longer starting in Dallas and already agreed to a pay cut in April. It would not be a shock if Carr is given his walking papers before the season opener.
Captain Munnerlyn, Minnesota Vikings– Although Munnerlyn has been highly productive during his seven year career ” the Captain” could be a victim of a numbers game in Minnesota. The Vikes brought back experienced vet Terrance Newman, drafted highly touted MacKensie Alexander and also have talented youngsters Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes on the roster. One drawback on Munnerlyn is his slight size (5’9,195) but his production shouldn’t be overlooked.
Alterraun Verner; Jonathan Banks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – With the Bucs signing of Brent Grimes and the drafting of Vernon Hargreaves either Verner or Banks may be expendable. Either player would look good in a Cardinal uniform.
D.J.Hayden, Oakland Raiders – The twelfth overall pick in the 2013 draft has thus far been a disappointment in Oakland. The Raiders declined to pick up the fifth year option on his contract and there’s talk that he could be left off their 2016 roster. Hayden is talented though, maybe a change of scenery in Arizona would do him good.
Justin Gilbert, Cleveland Browns– The eighth overall pick in the 2014 draft has the size and the talent to succeed. But he hasn’t flourished in Cleveland. The lowly Browns have held a fire sale this offseason, could the crafty Keim possibly dupe Cleveland and bring the young corner to the desert?