Five Running Backs the Arizona Cardinals Could Add
By Jeremy Meek
Rex Burkhead would add another versatile player to the backfield
Burkhead was drafted in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. During his four seasons, he has played little, sitting behind Jeremy HIll and Giovani Bernard. As the 2016 season came to a close, he finally got a chance to show what he could do.
Injuries to Bernard, and Hill’s lackluster performances pressed Burkhead into more and more of a role as the end of the season neared, and he responded. With each game, he flashed quick feet, decisiveness, and an ability to navigate in traffic. It culminated in a week 17 coming out party, where he recorded 119 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
The Cardinals value versatility in their running backs. The ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is important to their offensive scheme, and something they’ll look for in any players they look at. It’s something Burkhead does well. He actually played a little bit of receiver in Cincinnati due to injury, and catches the ball well.
The Bengals have said they want to keep Burkhead, as they have running back issues of their own. If he manages to make it onto the market, expect the Cardinals to take a look.