Raising Zona
FanSided

Several former Arizona Cardinals searching for employment

By Jim Koch

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Michael Floyd #18 of the Minnesota Vikings makes a leaping catch in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams on November 19, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Michael Floyd #18 of the Minnesota Vikings makes a leaping catch in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams on November 19, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

There are a contingent of former Arizona Cardinals who are hoping to keep their careers in the National Football League alive

They were one-time members of the Arizona Cardinals. Individuals who became well-known to fans during their time with the club. Former desert-dwellers who now find themselves perched on the NFL’s employment line.

Unfortunately for those players, there are only so many jobs available for people looking to participate in the professional football circuit. Some may have to wait for an injury to occur in order to get a phone call. Others may simply be at the end of their playing-career rainbow, but have yet to realize it.

Andre Ellington showed lots of promise in 2013 and ’14, his first two years in the league. The running back, a product of the Bruce Arians regime, eclipsed 1000 yards of total offense in both of those seasons. The 29-year old remains unemployed after finishing the 2017 campaign as a Houston Texan.

The story of former Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd is becoming a sad one. The 2012 first-round draft pick performed admirably for the squad before a DUI arrest got him jettisoned in ’16. The 28-year old went on to play for both the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings since then, but was a non-factor for both teams.

Karlos Dansby has had an outstanding 14-year career, but is currently in a state of limbo. The linebacker had three stints with the Cards, including a 95-tackle performance in 2017. Dansby continues to produce, but his advanced age (36) may finally be scaring away prospective employers.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a first-round pick of Arizona back in 2008, is surprisingly still seeking a roster spot. Just two years ago, the cornerback was excellent, registering 21 passes defensed, six interceptions and 49 tackles for the New York Giants. The 32-year old “DRC” was released by New York after refusing a pay cut, but should find a home eventually.

Brittan Golden never broke through as a pass-catcher during his five campaigns with the Cardinals. The wideout’s main role with “Big Red” was as a special teamer. Whether those limited credentials will be good enough to extend Golden’s NFL career is anybody’s guess.

One free agent that the Cards could certainly use the services of is Tyvon Branch. The safety’s problem is that he has managed to dress for just 15 contests since signing with Arizona in 2016. Though injuries have been his Achilles heel, Branch could provide the organization with some much-needed depth in the secondary.

Some fans may have forgotten that Alan Branch spent his first four seasons with the Cardinals. Following his departure, the defensive tackle went on to play for the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. The former second-round pick is in search for a fifth franchise to man the middle for this offseason.

Next: Tre Boston insulted by Arizona Cardinals offer

There are others who spent just one year with the Cards that are also looking to be hired. Included in that group are Adrian Peterson, Alex Boone, Sean Weatherspoon, Eric Winston and Derek Anderson. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Peterson and Boone surface in the upcoming weeks, but the other three may be dangerously close to the end of the line.

Home/Cardinals Free Agency