Bruce Arians has recruited several former Arizona Cardinals

The one-time head coach of the Arizona Cardinals has added several of his former players to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster

For five intriguing seasons, NFL “lifer” Bruce Arians patrolled the Arizona Cardinals sideline. The club’s former head coach had a unique relationship with his players, and has remained loyal to several of the individuals who resided in his locker room. Arians has shown that allegiance by adding a number of ex-Cardinals to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster he now presides over.

Just this past week, Arians added former Arizona center A.Q. Shipley to the Buccaneers offensive line. The 34-year old veteran started 51 games during his five campaigns in the desert. Shipley, who’s contract with the Cards had expired, is being replaced in the Cards starting lineup this year by Mason Cole.

Another former Cardinal who has joined Arians in Florida is inside linebacker Kevin Minter. The 29-year old signed with Tampa Bay in 2019, after spending four seasons with Arizona and one with the Cincinnati Bengals. Minter logged 37 starts for the Cards, and was credited with 223 tackles and five sacks during his time with the team.

Blaine Gabbert, a quarterback who played for Arians with the Cardinals back in 2017, is in line to be the Buccaneers backup. Ahead of him on the depth chart, of course, is six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. Gabbert started five matchups for Arizona in ’17, completing 55.6% of his passes for 1,086 yards and six touchdowns.

T.J. Logan, a running back who was drafted by the Cards three years ago, was acquired by Tampa Bay last season. Unfortunately, the 25-year old has been ravaged by injuries since he entered the league. Logan underwent surgery for a torn patella tendon he suffered during a Buccaneers practice last week, and will miss the entire 2020 campaign.

There have been a few other former Cardinals who suited up for Arians as well. Inside linebacker Deone Bucannon, outside linebacker Sam Acho and guard Earl Watford all made appearances for the Buccaneers last fall.

It’s obvious that Arians finds comfort with players that he’s familiar with. During his stint with Arizona, the offensive guru persuaded general manager Steve Keim to acquire quite a few competitors he knew from his days with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It would not be surprising to see Arians add even more one-time Cardinals to his Tampa Bay squad in the future.