Arizona Cardinals: Likelihood that free agents return

Cornerback Marcus Cooper

The hope was that Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel would develop into the long-term answer, across from star Patrick Peterson. To date, this has not occurred. In fact, coach Bruce Arians once described Bethel’s transition from special teams ace to starting cornerback as “a failure in progress.”

With Bethel’s continued struggles, and rookie Brandon Williams not yet ready for a starting role, the Cardinals traded a 2018 conditional seventh round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs, for cornerback Marcus Cooper. Cooper went on to play fifteen games for the Cardinals, starting in thirteen.

Though he was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate, Cooper’s play was largely inconsistent. He made big plays – including four interceptions – but he also gave up big plays. This lack of consistency is evident in his 2016 Pro Football Focus grade of 45.5.

Despite his inconsistencies, the Cardinals may want Cooper back to compete with Bethel and Williams for the starting job.  If, however, the Cardinals look to sign a top free agent or address the position early in the draft, a Cooper return would seem unlikely.

Next: Positions to address in the 2017 draft

Moreover, even if they do hope to retain him, Steve Keim typically assigns a maximum contract value to free agents. If Cooper garners enough interest from other teams, it could drive his price up beyond the value Keim has set for Cooper’s services.

Likelihood of returning: 35 percent