Arizona Cardinals bring veteran cornerback into the fold

The Arizona Cardinals front office signed veteran Ken Crawley to help offset the loss of starting cornerback Robert Alford

For the second consecutive year, the Arizona Cardinals will be without starting cornerback Robert Alford. The fragile cover guy has yet to appear in a game for the team, thanks to a couple of season-ending injuries. On Wednesday, the Cards made a move to help offset the loss of the 31-year old Alford.

Ken Crawley, a fifth-year professional, is expected to join the Arizona defensive unit. The deal will be consummated if the 27-year old can pass a coronavirus test and physical. Nothing has been announced, but it will more than likely be a one-year contract for the 6’1,180 pounder.

Back in 2016, Crawley entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints. The agreement was for $1.62 million over three years, and included a $5,000 signing bonus. After a solid training camp performance, Crawley went into his rookie campaign as the number-three corner on the New Orleans depth chart.

In 15 appearances (five starts) in ’16, Crawley registered 43 tackles, eight passes defensed and a fumble recovery. The University of Colorado product turned in his best performance as a pro the following season. In 2017, Crawley racked up 54 tackles, an interception and a whopping 17 pass breakups in 13 starts for the Saints.

Crawley would dress for 10 contests (five starts) in 2018, tallying 31 tackles and six passes defensed for New Orleans. Last year, the Washington D.C. native was released by the Saints on October 29th, and picked up by the Miami Dolphins the very next day. In five appearances (two starts)  in 2019, Crawley totaled just six tackles.

Miami parted ways with Crawley after he injured his shoulder in December. This past January, the Las Vegas Raiders signed the cornerback to a reserve/future contract. After seven months with the organization, Crawley was sent packing by the Raiders on August 18th.

One day later, Crawley received the call from the Cardinals. Alford’s torn pec has created an opportunity for the veteran. The Cards would be thrilled if Crawley could step up and win the starting job in the secondary that is now up for grabs. .