A wideout’s quest to stick with Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
Though the odds are against him, wide receiver Aaron Dobson will be attempting to remain with the Arizona Cardinals in 2017
Acquiring a wide receiver was not on the Arizona Cardinals’ to-do list last offseason. The club was just fine with Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, John Brown, J.J.Nelson and Jaron Brown manning the position. But now, a year later, things have changed a bit.
Floyd was jettisoned. Fitzgerald will most likely be hanging up the cleats at the conclusion of 2017. John Brown has been diagnosed with a sickle cell trait condition that could possibly hinder his career.
Because of these new circumstances, opportunities to infiltrate the Cards’ receiving room have arisen. Arizona currently employs a pass-catcher who will be looking to take advantage of the situation.
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Aaron Dobson, a former second-round draft pick of the New England Patriots, will be hoping to prove his value to the Cardinals. The Marshall University product was signed to a reserve/future contract on January 5th of this year. The task he has ahead of him is difficult, but not impossible.
Dobson’s career got off to a promising start in 2013. He hauled in 37 balls for 519 yards and four touchdowns that year, his first in the NFL. Unfortunately, it’s been all downhill since then.
He failed to dress in eight of the first twelve games of the 2014 campaign, and then injured his hamstring in week 13. He was placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter, ending his season. 2015 was also marred by injury. He hurt his ankle in week 11, and once again was placed on injured reserve.
The Pats apparently tired of Dobson’s lack of availability and released him last September. He was signed twice and released twice in 2016 by the Detroit Lions. He remained unemployed for the rest of the year following his second stint with the Lions.
As mentioned, his remaining with Arizona is a longshot. He does bring size (6’0″, 200) to the table, something the organization is in need of. He’ll have the offseason to prove to the coaching staff he’s worth keeping around.