Arizona Cardinals need to sign a cornerback immediately
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals reluctance to quickly address their number two cornerback vacancy could leave their secondary vulnerable
Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim is flirting with disaster. Another off season is upon us, and once again the executive is neglecting the squad’s number-two cornerback post. Ever since Antonio Cromartie flew the coop three years ago, the Cards have been unsuccessful in finding a quality cover guy to play opposite Patrick Peterson.
It’s not like a solution for the problem hasn’t presented itself. Actually, Arizona could have addressed the issue before free agency even began. Trade options were available, but Keim elected to not get involved in any wheeling and dealing.
The same can’t be said about the GM of the Los Angeles Rams. Les Snead went out and exceuted trades for two corners, Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, who’ve appeared in seven Pro Bowls between them. Either would’ve looked fantastic in Cardinal red, but apparently the front office didn’t agree.
That’s ok Cards’ fans, there’s always free agency, right? A way to solve the dilemma without having to give up compensation. Surely, Keim was going to pounce on someone as soon as the legal tampering period began.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t. Most of the top choices have already found homes. Trumaine Johnson, Richard Sherman, Malcolm Butler, Aaron Colvin, Prince Amukamara and Bashaud Breeland are all off of the board, leaving Arizona to pick through who’s left.
According to reports, there is a plan in place to fill the slot. Tramon Williams played well there last season, and the Cardinals want him back. The longer the unrestricted free agent remains unsigned, however, the more Keim risks losing the 12th-year veteran.
No one would deny that Williams did a fine job for the franchise in ’17. But the 6’0″, 192 pounder has just turned 35. As well as the long-time Green Bay Packer performed, there’s a chance that the wheels could fall off at any time.
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It’s imperative that the Cards act quickly. If Williams is indeed the target, then he needs to be signed pronto. Before it really is too late.