Cornerback Kevin Peterson returns to the Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals front office is bringing back the 26-year old to compete for the squad’s number-four cornerback job
The 2019 offseason was an awful period of time for the Arizona Cardinals, especially their cornerbacks. Patrick Peterson‘s suspension, followed by Robert Alford’s debilitating leg injury, sent the club’s secondary in a tailspin. The Cards are keeping their fingers crossed that their cover guys will experience much better luck in 2020.
On Tuesday, Arizona brought back a player who helped pick up the slack for the franchise when Peterson and Alford were sidelined. Kevin Peterson, a former undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State, has been inked to a one-year contract. What exactly is the thought process behind this latest transaction by Cardinals management?
It appears as if Peterson was invited back to compete for the squad’s number-four cornerback gig. Byron Murphy, in addition to Patrick Peterson and Alford, is also ahead of the 5’11,185 pounder on the Cards current depth chart. Other cover guys on the Arizona roster at the moment include Chris Jones, Jalen Davis, Zane Lewis, Sojourn Shelton, Duke Thomas, Jace Whitaker, Jarren Williams, and Bejour Wilson.
Peterson entered the NFL back in May of 2016 when he was signed by the Chicago Bears. After being waived in September, the 5’11,185 pounder joined the Los Angeles Rams practice squad in December. In 2017, Peterson totaled 11 tackles, two interceptions and six passes defended in six appearances (one start) for Los Angeles.
A torn ACL suffered during the first preseason contest of 2018 cost Peterson that entire campaign. After being sent packing by the Rams on August 31, 2019, the 26-year old was claimed off of the waiver wire by the Cardinals a day later. In 14 games (three starts) last season, Peterson registered 22 tackles and two pass breakups for the Redbirds.
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With Arizona back to full-strength at the position, Peterson may have to battle to make the team. After what happened at the cornerback spot a year ago, however, anything is possible.