Arizona Cardinals Steve Keim getting it done

Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim has been rightfully placed on the hot seat for moves made prior to this free agency season. However after the way things have transgressed over the past few weeks, it’s tough to argue his success.

First he got 3-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, then he got veteran receiver A.J. Green, and topped it off last week with Pro Bowl center Rodney Hunter.  Oh, he also grabbed one of the best kickers around in Matt Prater, re-signed punter Andy Lee, and today solidified the offensive line by signing Brian Winters, who helped protect Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen last season.

Clearly there is still work to do as the Cardinals need help at cornerback, running back, and tight end. It’s kind of funny how Cardinals fans gravitate on Twitter, get all excited at Keim’s pickups then turn around and get all angry when another team signs players they wanted to see in Arizona.

Here’s a newsflash, the Cardinals can’t sign everyone. This isn’t your fantasy team. As a friend did say last week, it is free to dream.  Heard that, but we should also be realistic.

The Cardinals have parted with a number of draft picks to get where they are now, so there’s not much to give up there in trade value either. It was reported last week the Cardinals were not high on the free agent corners on the market, but that didn’t stop the rumors.

On Monday, Keim had a press conference with the media and answered some questions, one of which centered around the cornerback position and the loss of Patrick Peterson to the Minnesota Vikings.

He hinted at the idea Peterson was never offered a contract in thanking him for his time in Arizona and wishing him the best of luck in Minnesota.  He was also asked about current corner Byron Murphy, who some fans seem to be down on as well.

He said Murphy is a very good inside corner when asked if the plan was to move him to the outside with the loss of Peterson. He said he can play outside but also suggested the inside is where they plan on keeping him.

Keim knows what’s out there and who’s available.  On grabbing Hunter last week, he knew he was becoming available and got on the horn with the Las Vegas Raiders to work out a trade.

We’ll see how he handles filling the other gaps but don’t expect huge splashes. Also remember, free agency isn’t a one, two day thing. It’s all offseason.

Also what they can’t fill there will be filled in the draft with whatever they have at that point. Keep the faith friends!