A couple of quality offseason pickups have given the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive backfield the potential to be spectacular
Back in March, it appeared that the Arizona Cardinals’ secondary could be in some trouble. Popular safety Tyrann Mathieu was released because of an exorbitant salary-cap number, and subsequently signed with the Houston Texans. Cornerback Tramon Williams, who performed admirably for the Cards in 2017, was wooed away by the Green Bay Packers.
Now, four months later, Arizona’s defensive backfield has seemingly rebounded in a big way. A couple of solid acquisitions have done the organization well. So well, in fact, that the back line of the Cardinals’ defense has the potential to become one of the NFL’s best.
Tre Boston, who just weeks ago felt “disrespected” by an offer from the club, decided to join the Cards after all. Management apparently sweetened their proposal, and inked the talented safety to a one-year deal. Boston just so happens to be coming off of the best campaign of his career, so the timing of the move couldn’t have been better.
In 16 appearances (15 starts) for the Los Angeles Chargers last year, the 26-year old tallied 79 tackles, five interceptions and eight passes defensed. Boston spent three seasons with the Carolina Panthers (2014-16), before departing for the Chargers in ’17. The 6’1″, 205 pounder’s position coach with the Panthers was none other than Steve Wilks, so the veteran comes to the desert having familiarity with Arizona’s new defensive scheme.
The Cardinals’ annual problem at the number-two cornerback slot may have been solved with a trade made back in May. Jamar Taylor, though not yet officially anointed, was brought to the “Valley of the Sun” to assume that position. The front office almost certainly expects the 27-year old to start, having liked him enough to send the Cleveland Browns a sixth-round draft pick for his services.
Taylor showed his effectiveness on the field during his two years performing for the “Dawg Pound”. The former second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins accumulated 119 tackles, three picks and 23 pass breakups after being traded to Cleveland in April of 2016. That kind of production would do the Cards just fine.
Having Taylor lining up across from seven-time Pro Bowl cover guy Patrick Peterson is an exciting proposition. While both Antoine Bethea and Budda Baker are quality safeties, it’s hard to fathom Boston being a backup with Arizona. It’s a new-look secondary for the Cardinals in 2018, one that could quite possibly force the rest of the league to take notice.