Jurrell Casey is appealing option for the Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
The current offseason could be extremely crucial for the general manager of the Arizona Cardinals. Rumor has it that Steve Keim’s job may be in jeopardy if the squad he puts together fails to make the playoffs in 2021. If that’s true, it would behoove the Cards top talent-evaluator to make sure that every acquisition he makes in the coming months is a good one.
This past Thursday, a player became available who would be a fantastic addition to the Arizona defense. The Denver Broncos decided to part ways with Jurrell Casey, a defensive lineman who entered the NFL back in 2011. Almost a year ago, the Broncos acquired the veteran from the Tennessee Titans for a seventh-round draft pick.
Casey’s stint in the “Mile High City” lasted just three games. During a week-three loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 6’1, 305 pounder suffered a torn biceps muscle. The following day, Denver placed Casey on the injured-reserve list, ending both his season and his time with the Broncos organization.
The release of Casey was a cost-cutting move for Denver’s front office. By doing so, the Broncos will recoup $11.8 million in salary-cap space. There’s been some talk that the team could take a run at Deshaun Watson, the star quarterback of the Houston Texans.
Casey was voted to five Pro Bowls during the days he spent with the Titans. In 142 professional appearances (140 starts), the 31-year old has racked up 507 tackles and 51 sacks. Casey has also been credited with 117 quarterback hits, 15 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries during his 10 years in the league.
The University of Southern California product was a third-round selection of the Titans back in 2011. Casey was voted First-team All-Pac-10 while playing for the Trojans in 2010. The California native was also named Second-team All-Pro while performing for Tennessee’s defensive unit in 2013.
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An outstanding defender like Casey would be a tremendous addition to the Cardinals roster. The franchise needs to assemble as much talent as possible to end their five-season postseason drought. In fact, Keim’s employment with the Cards could very well depend on it.