Arizona Cardinals who shouldn’t return in 2019

Derrick Coleman, FB

This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Fullbacks, despite their versatility and storied NFL history, are a dying breed in the big-leagues. Couple that with the implementation of Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense and recently signed tight end Charles Clay‘s past of playing the position, and there simply isn’t a need for Derrick Coleman on the roster.

Coleman was active for all 16 games in the 2018 season but failed to leave a mark in a minor role. For the year, he accumulated two receptions for 17 yards and two rushing attempts for three yards. He also finished the year with an above average Pro Football Focus grade of 67.8.

Although Kingsbury will likely have some packages featuring a fullback, the team already has a viable replacement in the name of recently signed Charles Clay. Clay started his career as a fullback in Miami and proved to be a dynamic force at the position. Although he’s now a full-time tight end, he’s shown, albeit in a now lesser capacity, that he can continue to play the position at a high-level.

However, Coleman could find a spot back in the NFL. He’s a Super Bowl starting fullback that has the skillset to be a solid lead blocker and short yardage back. His five seasons experience at the position should entice some teams that run primarily out of the I-formation. But it won’t be the Cardinals, a team converting to a shotgun-heavy spread style offense.

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