Arizona Cardinals latest number-two cornerback playing well

Free agent acquisition Bene Benwikere has been impressive as the 2018 version of the Arizona Cardinals number-two cornerback

The cornerback spot across from the great Patrick Peterson has been an annual headache for the Arizona Cardinals. Year in and year out, general manager Steve Keim has had to go on a search for a number-two cover guy. This past offseason was no different.

The latest candidate for the position is free agent signee Bene Benwikere. The 27-year old journeyman had played for Steve Wilks when the Cards’ head coach was an assistant with the Carolina Panthers. Benwikere’s familiarity with Arizona’s new 4-3 defense most likely helped him secure the job.

Becoming a starter for the Cardinals didn’t happen without obstacles for the former fifth-round draft pick. In fact, Benwikere began the current campaign as a backup. The former San Jose State University product had to wait for an opportunity to play with his new squad, but his patience eventually paid off.

Two months after inking Benwikere to a one-year contract, Keim pulled off a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Veteran Jamar Taylor was acquired for a sixth-round round pick and was basically anointed the starter as soon as he arrived. After three dreadful starts, the 28-year old former Miami Dolphin was benched and Benwikere was given his shot.

The 6’0,195 pounder took over in week four and has assumed the role ever since. In five games, Benwikere has racked up 33 tackles, an interception and three passes defensed. His presence, along with the 6’1, 203 pound Peterson, gives the Cards a pair of cover guys who possess the size that the organization always coveted for the position.

Perhaps an extension for Benwikere would make some sense. The veteran’s current salary, $880,000, is a bargain rate for a starting cornerback. Management needs to decide if Benwikere is deserving of a new deal, but his solid play so far this season would indicate that he is.

Maybe one day the front office will break down and find a more permanent solution for what’s long been the sore spot in the secondary. The substantial money being paid to Peterson probably prohibits Keim from making a big splash to fill the void. For now, however, Benwikere is handling the assignment just fine.