The Arizona Cardinals’ loaded safety room
By Jim Koch
While the Arizona Cardinals could use a player here and there they appear to be more than set at the safety position
The Arizona Cardinals have an extremely deep roster. So deep that the final cuts made the first week of September will be difficult, some good players will be let go.
Maybe the deepest position on the team is safety. While the Cards will most likely be keeping four safeties on the 53 man roster there appears to be at least six safeties worth hanging on to.
The group is led by Pro Bowler Tyrann Mathieu. Because of his versatility the “Honey Badger “is asked to play a good amount of slot corner for the team but his listed position is safety. He’s coming off of an ACL injury but is expected to be ready for the opener.
The team replaced the departed Rashad Johnson with nine year veteran Tyvon Branch. Branch had an average year with Kansas City last season but established himself as a hard hitter and good coverage guy with the Oakland Raiders before becoming a Chief. The Cards are confident he can re-gain the success he had with the silver and black.
Four year veteran Tony Jefferson was a restricted free agent who was retained with a one-year deal. He’s coming off a fine season which included 78 tackles, two picks (one returned for a TD), five passes defensed and two sacks. He’s a fiery competitor who will be playing for a long term deal next offseason.
D.J. Swearinger was an interesting acquisition made by Keim last December. He brings an enormous intimidation factor to the Arizona secondary, a headhunter who can really lay the wood. Brings back memories of another Cards safety from the past, Chuck Cecil.
Former Dolphin Chris Clemons is a big, run-stuffing safety who may find himself on the roster bubble. Clemons was released last October with an injury settlement only to be brought back when Mathieu ripped his knee up in December. Will be interesting to see if he can stick around now that the Cards have their full compliment of safeties.
Rookie Marqui Christian will have to battle his way onto the 53 man roster. Unless he shines big time in training camp there’s a good chance his career will begin on the practice squad.