After free agency took a big chunk of it’s safety depth, the Arizona Cardinals bolstered their efforts to replenish the position
This year’s free agency period was anything but kind to the Arizona Cardinals’ safety room. The vultures hovered, eventually robbing the club of two of it’s play-making defensive backs. Suddenly, the safety position became a need for general manager Steve Keim and his henchmen.
Tony Jefferson’s departure wasn’t unexpected. With a laundry list of unrestricted free agents to negotiate with, the Cards just weren’t gonna break the bank to retain him. In the end, the former undrafted free agent inked a four-year, $36 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
The secondary took another hit when the Washington Redskins swooped in and nabbed another Arizona safety, D.J. Swearinger. Keim had revived the career of the former second-round draft pick of the Houston Texans. Swearinger repaid the organization by taking the money the nation’s capital was waving in his face.
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The Cardinals acted quickly, grabbing free agent veteran Antoine Bethea. The 32-year old was signed to a three-year contract, filling one of the holes at safety. Bethea isn’t exactly a spring chicken, but he does bring a ton of experience with him to the desert.
Management’s most aggressive addition was acquired on day two of last week’s NFL Draft. The Cards gave up an ample amount to move up and nab University of Washington safety Budda Baker. The 5’10”, 195 pound playmaker is a clone of fellow safety Tyrann Mathieu, both in size and style of play.
Arizona plucked another safety from the draft in round six, selecting Johnathan “Rudy” Ford. However, word is that the Cardinals’ coaching staff will move the Auburn product to cornerback. Ford’s contributions may ultimately be on special teams.
On paper, it appears that the front office has adequately replaced Jefferson and Swearinger. Add second-year Cardinal Tyvon Branch to the group and the squad should be just fine at safety this upcoming season. Keim made sure of it.