Arizona Cardinals GM mishandling cornerback position
By Jim Koch
Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim has a blind spot when it comes to the squad’s number-two cornerback position
It’s been four years now since the Arizona Cardinals got it right. Believe it or not, there was a time when Steve Keim actually put stock into the team’s number-two cornerback position. It was back in 2014 that the club’s general manager signed Antonio Cromartie, giving the Cards an excellent cover guy to pair with Patrick Peterson.
“Cro” flew the coop after just one campaign in the desert, and Keim has struggled to maintain effectiveness at the spot ever since. Jerraud Powers provided adequate play as the number-two corner in 2015, but was better-suited for the slot. Marcus Cooper and Tramon Williams handled the job nicely over the past couple of seasons, but neither was retained by Cardinals’ management following their successful stints.
According to reports, Keim did desire to have Williams back for the upcoming campaign, but that’s no longer an option. The 35-year old has returned to the Green Bay Packers, the franchise he left in 2015, after being “lowballed” by Keim. Williams reportedly asked for $3 million annually (not an exorbitant demand, by any means) but was only offered $2 million by Arizona.
Cooper parlayed a fine showing with the Cards in 2016 into a three-year, $16 million deal with the Chicago Bears last offseason. Keim had sent a seventh-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in early September of ’16 to acquire the then-26 year old. The trade paid off handsomely when Cooper racked up four picks, 11 passes defensed and 69 tackles for “Big Red”.
Keim was attempting to bring Cooper back to the nest for 2018, apparently. The 6’2″, 192 pounder had a visit to the Cardinals scheduled for this past Friday, but it may not have went too well. Sometime following his meeting with Arizona officials, Cooper agreed with the Bears on a one-year, $2.5 million contract (double what Keim was supposedly offering).
Keim struck out on another cornerback, as well. E.J. Gaines visited last week but ended up signing with the Cleveland Browns. The 26-year old is a talented defender who would’ve been a fine addition to the Cards.
The organization did add a cover guy the other day, but the move appears to be more of a depth-type acquisition. The new coaching staff is familiar with Bene Benwikere from their days together with the Carolina Panthers. The 26-year old isnt overly-experienced however, having only started 14 games in five NFL seasons.
It’s possible that Keim will look to next month’s draft for help. Unfortunately, the last attempt at solving the dilemma with a player from the college ranks has been a failure. Brandon Williams, a third-round pick in ’16, has proven to be nothing more than a special teams contributor.
Despite the swings and misses, there’s still talent available on the free agent market. A return by old friend Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would be welcomed at this point. Bashaud Breeland wouldn’t pass a physical currently (thanks to an accident suffered on vacation), but would be an excellent add once he can.
Next: Arizona Cardinals add Benwikere, see others leave
Perhaps the Cardinals will once again wait for summertime to find a remedy. Cooper and Tramon Williams proved that answers can be found late in the offseason. As fans of the organization, we can only hope that Keim is able to have that kind of luck again.