Arizona Cardinals may regret letting wide receiver walk
By Jim Koch
Former Arizona Cardinals receiver John Brown is getting his once promising career back on track with a new organization
Back in 2014, the Arizona Cardinals believed that they had found a gem. John Brown, a third-round draft pick out of tiny Pittsburg State University, was opening eyes during the preseason. The wide receiver’s stellar play continued into the regular-season, and the Cards’ front office couldn’t have been happier.
After a couple of impressive campaigns in the desert, things went south for Brown. A cavalcade of nagging injuries impeded his progress. Brown eventually found his way into the organization’s doghouse, and was permitted to walk out the door this past spring.
The Baltimore Ravens were looking for pass-catchers, and decided to give Brown a chance to revitalize his career. It turned out to be a win-win for both parties. Brown got $5 million and a chance to prove himself again, while the Ravens are on the hook for just one year with the contract.
Meanwhile, Arizona has chosen to go with a youth movement at the position. The legendary Larry Fitzgerald remains, but behind him are a contingent of wet behind the ears youngsters. It’s only been one game, but early results from the experiment were not good.
The Cardinals’ current number-two receiving option, Chad Williams, caught zero passes on three targets. Christian Kirk, who’s listed as the third choice on the depth chart, wasn’t much better. The rookie hauled in just one pass for a measly four yards.
Brown, on the other hand, appears to be reborn in Baltimore. The 28-year old got his stint with the Ravens off to a good start during a 47-3 blowout of the Buffalo Bills. Brown tallied three receptions for 44 yards, one of which was a seven-yard touchdown from quarterback Joe Flacco.
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It’s all 20/20 hindsight, but it sure would’ve been nice having Brown out there on the field this coming weekend against the Los Angeles Rams. The Cards’ offense will be facing one of the most well-stocked defenses in the NFL, and will probably need all of the help they can get. Brown’s time with Arizona has come to an end, however, and the team may very well spend the rest of 2018 wishing he was still around.