Starting job a possibility for Arizona Cardinals journeyman

Veteran David Amerson’s impressive resume should earn him consideration for the Arizona Cardinals starting cornerback job

It’s safe to say that those who follow the Arizona Cardinals football club were shocked by cornerback Patrick Peterson’s suspension. But despite the fact that the fans were in the dark, it’s been reported that the organization knew about the Pro Bowler’s transgression for months. Cards’ general manager Steve Keim’s actions during this past offseason seem to confirm that they were fully aware of the unfortunate situation that was ahead.

All of the way back in February, Arizona’s front office signed veteran Robert Alford. The Atlanta Falcons had released the 30-year old in a cost-cutting move, and just two days later he was a Cardinal. Tenth-year cover guy Tramaine Brock was added in April, and the highly-touted Byron Murphy was drafted just a few weeks later.

With those three corners in the nest, the Cards appear to be primed and ready to handle Peterson’s absence this coming fall. There is another addition that Keim made last November, however, who could make a play for a starting role. An under the radar candidate who has built an impressive resume in his own right.

David Amerson, a second-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins in 2013, is someone who Arizona should consider for the gig. The former North Carolina State product has taken part in 74 NFL games, and has 61 starts under his belt. The Cardinals are the third professional franchise that Amerson has been employed by, and he’d love nothing more than to make the desert his last stop.

Amerson spent two full seasons, and part of a third, with the Redskins, racking up 111 tackles, two interceptions and 18 passes defensed in 33 appearances (23 starts). Despite the decent start, the second-year pro seemed to fall out of favor with Washington in 2014. Amerson was benched in week 12 after he was late for a team meeting, and ultimately jettisoned during the early part of 2015.

The Oakland Raiders, in need of some help in the secondary, claimed Amerson off of the waiver wire in September of ’15. It turned out to be a wise investment for the “Silver and Black”. Amerson tallied 140 tackles, six picks and a whopping 45 pass breakups in 35 appearances (33 starts) for the Raiders.

The union between Oakland and Amerson began to go sour in 2017, when a foot injury suffered in week seven ended his campaign. The Hawaii native missed the remaining nine matchups and was sent packing by the Raiders in February of 2018. Amerson was picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs a couple of weeks after that but never made it on to their final roster.

Ten weeks into last season, Amerson got the call from Arizona. The journeyman took part in six contests with the Redbirds, starting in five of them. Amerson held his own, registering 21 tackles, an interception and two passes defensed.

Thanks to Peterson’s slip-up, Amerson has been presented with a golden oppurtunity. The competition at the cornerback position during this summer’s training camp will be heated and fun to watch. Don’t be surprised if a hungry and motivated Amerson comes out on top.