Wide receiver’s time with Arizona Cardinals is already over
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals came to the conclusion that veteran pass-catcher Michael Crabtree was not worth keeping on the roster
Just one month after it began, a veteran wide receiver’s tenure with the Arizona Cardinals is over. Just when the team’s fans were beginning to warm up to Michael Crabtree, the experienced pass-catcher has been sent packing. What made the Cards decide to give up on the 32-year old so quickly?
From the day he was signed, Crabtree seemed like more of a luxury than a necessity. No one would argue that the Cardinals could use help at certain positions. The wideout spot, however, didn’t appear to be one of them.
It’s a group that includes the great Larry Fitzgerald, a future Hall of Famer who has been outstanding over the past three weeks. Christian Kirk is a second-year pro who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his young career. Players like Damiere Byrd, KeeSean Johnson, Andy Isabella and Trent Sherfield have the ability to provide adequate depth for Arizona.
In a nutshell, there just weren’t enough receptions to go around in the desert. Crabtree is an accomplished receiver who would be better off with a franchise who can utilize him more. After sitting out the Cards season-opener, the former first-round draft pick has been on the field for just 30 snaps during the last two contests.
Perhaps the Cardinals believed that Crabtree would be needed more when they acquired him. Since week one, Byrd and Johnson have proven to be solid third and fourth wideouts. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury‘s satisfaction with the performance of those two unlikely contributors made it tough for Crabtree to garner playing time.
Crabtree’s salary may have factored into his release as well. With the one-year deal, Arizona was on the hook for $3.25 million, with incentives that could’ve cost the organization another $2.25 million. Crabtree received a $500,000 signing bonus when he was inked to the contract on August 21st.
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Sending Crabtree on his way should have little to no effect on Kingsbury’s “Air Raid” attack. The former San Francisco 49ers draft selection just didn’t appear to be a fit for the offense. The Cards should be perfectly fine going forward with the wide receivers that they currently have.