Arizona Cardinals may no longer have role for linebacker
By Jim Koch
After three uninspiring years with the Arizona Cardinals, perhaps former top pick Haason Reddick would benefit by moving on
Over the past several years, the Arizona Cardinals have misfired on far too many of their draft picks. The opening round, in particular, has been somewhat of a nightmare for general manager Steve Keim. Time and time again, the Cards have failed to get production out of players who were taken with the club’s top selection.
Linebacker Haason Reddick, the franchise’s first-round choice in 2017, could soon be added to that group of disappointments. From the day he arrived in the desert, the former Temple University product never seemed to be a good fit for the Cardinals. Now, thanks to some offseason acquisitions by the front office, Reddick’s days with the organization could very well be numbered.
Two additions to the linebacking corps, Devon Kennard and De’Vondre Campbell, have relegated Reddick to backup status. Last season, journeyman Joe Walker took the 6’1, 230 pounder’s starting job at inside linebacker away. Reddick was moved to the outside, but the signing of Kennard indicates that Arizona was dissatisfied with his play on the edge as well.
On paper, Reddick’s numbers over the past two campaigns are solid. Last fall, the Camden, New Jersey native totaled 76 tackles and six passes defensed in 16 appearances (five starts) for the Cards. In 2018, Reddick recorded 80 tackles, four sacks and five pass breakups in 16 games (12 starts) for Big Red.
From a financial standpoint, moving on from Reddick could make sense for the Cardinals. The 25-year old is set to count $4.2 million against the team’s salary-cap, a bit much for a defender who’s projected to be a second-teamer. According to Spotrac.com, parting ways with Reddick would leave $1.9 million in dead money, but would also create $2.3 million in cap space for Arizona.
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Reddick’s career statistics are proof of his talent. Unfortunately, the Cards have never found a way to properly utilize his skills. Perhaps a fresh start with another NFL team would serve Reddick well.