Arizona Cardinals eyeing prove-it contract candidates
By Jim Koch
Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim has been quite adept at signing quality veterans to one-year “prove-it” contracts
That time of the year is approaching for the Arizona Cardinals. The period when Steve Keim persuades talented veterans to agree to team-friendly contracts. The team’s general manager has mastered the art of the one-year “prove-it” deals in the past, and may be gearing up to do so again.
Keim’s track record with these types of acquisitions speaks for itself. Offensive firepower such as Chris Johnson, Jermaine Gresham (twice), Rashard Mendenhall, Alex Boone, Blaine Gabbert and Eric Winston has been added. Defensive gems like Antonio Cromartie, Karlos Dansby (twice), Larry Foote, Dwight Freeney, Tramon Williams and Yeremiah Bell have come aboard, as well.
While the foundation for the 2018 Cardinals has been laid, holes do remain. Fortunately for the organization, there are capable free agents still searching for employment. Some that appear to fit the one-year, “prove-it” deal criteria quite well.
Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Dez Bryant would actually prefer to sign a one-year contract for now. The 29-year old turned down a multi-year offer from the Baltimore Ravens back in April. Bryant would be an interesting addition to an Arizona offense that already includes David Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Sam Bradford.
The Cards’ switch to a 4-3 defensive alignment has left them thin on the front line. Cedric Thornton is an experienced defensive tackle who could provide the squad with some solid depth. The soon-to-be 30-year old played in 15 games for the Buffalo Bills in ’17, registering 27 tackles and two sacks.
Considering that Gresham ruptured his Achilles tendon last December, it’s a bit surprising that Keim hasn’t paid more attention to the tight end position. Julius Thomas has not been the same since since he left the Denver Broncos, but could still be a viable option for the Cardinals. The 6’5″, 262 pounder caught 41 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns as a Miami Dolphin last year.
Steve Wilks, Arizona’s new head man, was safety Mike Mitchell’s position coach with the Carolina Panthers in 2013. The 31-year old turned in his best performance that year (67 tackles, four interceptions, nine passes defensed, four sacks), so a reunion with Wilks may benefit both parties.
While the Cards’ starting linebackers appear to be set with Deone Bucannon, Haason Reddick and Josh Bynes, the depth at the spot could use some bolstering. Gerald Hodges is just two years removed from an 83-tackle, three-sack campaign as a San Francisco 49er. Keim could probably acquire the 27-year old for fairly reasonable money.
Next: Veteran punter solved Arizona Cardinals' dilemma
While the Cardinals’ roster is close to being complete, there are spots where help is needed. The segment of the offseason where Keim has excelled in the past is upon us. It would be nice if the GM could dazzle us with a few of those “prove-it” contracts once again.