Free agent cornerback would fill Arizona Cardinals’ need
By Jim Koch
The addition of talented free agent Trumaine Johnson would finally put the Arizona Cardinals’ issues at cornerback to rest
The Arizona Cardinals defensive unit got off to a rocky start last year. Poor play at the number-two cornerback spot, by Justin Bethel in particular, was a major reason for the group’s struggles. The former coaching staff’s insistence on using the ace special teamer as a cover guy certainly contributed to some early-season defeats.
Veteran Tramon Williams came to the rescue after six games. The long-time Green Bay Packer played well, bailing the Cardinals out of what could’ve been a disastrous situation. Williams is headed for free agency, however, and will turn 35-years old next month to boot.
There’s another corner scheduled to become a free agent who Arizona is also familiar with. One that will without a doubt be among the top players available when the league year commences on March 14th.
The Los Angeles Rams’ Trumaine Johnson will more than likely be permitted to shop his services to the rest of the NFL. His current club’s acquisition of Pro Bowler Marcus Peters should spell the end of the former third-round draft pick’s time with the Rams. Having had the franchise tag placed on him for the last two offseasons, Johnson will now finally get to seek some long-term security with another organization.
More from Raising Zona
- Arizona Cardinals: Could Eric Bieniemy come to the desert?
- 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
Another team’s trash is another team’s treasure, so to speak. And the Cards could very well be the team that discovers it. Johnson won’t come cheap, but combining the 6’2″, 213 pounder with seven-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson would do wonders for the Cardinals’ secondary.
Johnson, who played his college ball at the University of Montana, has developed into an outstanding defensive back. The 28-year old uses his great size to his advantage, and excels in press coverage. Pairing Johnson with Peterson would give Arizona’s defensive backfield two of the most-physical cornerbacks in the game today.
Johnson is a true ballhawk. He has registered 18 interceptions and a whopping 67 passes defensed in his six years with the Rams. Johnson is also a sure run defender, as evidenced by his impressive 328 career tackles.
The amount of money it will cost the Cards to sign Johnson is a potential roadblock. Keim also has other holes on the roster to fill, most notably at quarterback. One thing’s for certain, landing Johnson would solidify a position that’s been a Cardinals’ sore spot for way too long now.