Cornerback trade a possibility for the Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals could still attempt to upgrade at the number-two cornerback position by orchestrating a trade for one
The pleas of many Arizona Cardinals’ fans have been ignored this offseason. It seems that mostly everyone but the team’s front office believes that the number-two cornerback position needs improvement. Going into another season with inadequacy opposite Patrick Peterson just isn’t an appealing thought.
Management has done next to nothing this offseason to address the ongoing problem. Johnathan “Rudy” Ford was drafted in the sixth round of last month’s draft, but his impact is expected to be minimal. Journeyman Jamal Rolle was added to the roster earlier this week, but Arizona will be his sixth NFL squad since 2013.
A trade for a cover guy is always a possibility. Just before the 2016 regular-season opener, general manager Steve Keim realized an upgrade at the spot was warranted. Marcus Cooper was acquired for a seventh-round draft pick and had a decent season, but left as a free agent a few weeks ago.
If the Cardinals decide they’d like to once again trade for a cornerback, the Cincinnati Bengals are a club they should be calling. Cincy’s locker room is loaded with good corners. Perhaps Keim could pry one away from them with the right offer.
More from Raising Zona
- Would Jonathan Gannon be a good fit for the Arizona Cardinals?
- Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker right in his take regarding the next coach
- Arizona Cardinals: 3 reasons new coach should want to work with Murray
- Arizona Cardinals special teams could be completely revamped in 2023
- Jonathan Gannon will interview with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday
Arizona’s roster was invaded by scavengers during free agency, so they should be awarded compensatory draft picks in 2018. Giving up a future pick or two in a trade will not leave the cupboard barren by any means.
The Bengals retained free agents Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam “Pacman” Jones this offseason. They also added Bene Benwikere, a former draft pick of the Carolina Panthers. Other significant corners on their roster include Darqueze Dennard, Josh Shaw, William Jackson and Keivarae Russell.
Dennard, drafted in the first round of the 2014 draft, has underachieved so far in his career. But he’s still young at 25, and has a relatively low salary cap number for the upcoming year ($2.5 million). Dennard is a talented player who’s been held back by the Bengals’ surplus at corner, and could possibly benefit from a change of scenery.
Shaw has been used in the slot, a spot already occupied on the Cardinals defense by Tyrann Mathieu. But the former USC Trojan certainly has good enough size (6’1″, 200) to play on the boundary. He’s due an extremely affordable base salary of $615,000 in 2017.
Some draft experts had Jackson ranked as the best cornerback of last year’s draft. Unfortunately, his rookie campaign was lost due to a torn pectoral muscle he suffered last August. He has yet to play a down in the league, but he has the size (6’0″, 189) and skills the Cards covet.
Whether Arizona will be willing and able to pull off a trade is anybody’s guess. Contrary to the beliefs of some, help at cornerback would greatly improve their postseason chances. And that help could be just a phone call away.