The Arizona Cardinals now have a glaring weakness on the roster.
That is at the cornerback position, and after the tragic passing of Jeff Gladney, the talent at that position will be tested further. After the past two seasons of not drafting a cornerback in the earlier rounds of the draft, Steve Keim has a lot of work to do.
Most notably was in 2021, when Asante Samuel Jr. (Now a Los Angeles Charger) was still on the board. Instead, Rondale Moore was the selection, and here we are.
What makes acquiring another starting-caliber cornerback challenging is what’s going on with Kyler Murray’s contract. Trading for one involves taking on the cap that the player already has to an extent, whereas a free agent could come cheaper, but sometimes you really get what you pay for in the NFL.
So here’s a list of free agents and cornerbacks that could be had in the trade market for the right price to help solidify the cornerback room.
Joe Haden’s experience would be incredible for the Arizona Cardinals
Joe Haden has been in the league for quite some time. The former Cleveland Brown and Pittsburgh Steeler has made it to three Pro Bowls in his career since being a first-round draft pick of Cleveland in 2010.
His 29 career interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and 615 total tackles in his career are exactly what’s needed in Arizona. A player who has seen it all and has enough knowledge to impart to the younger players on the roster.
The 33-year-old veteran could be added to the roster for a meager price that could pay off in the long run if he wants to stick around for another year in the desert.
The Arizona Cardinals could finally catch a Jackrabbit
That’s Janoris Jenkins’ nickname, and long after he was always locked in against the Arizona Cardinals (including his 2012 performance with two pick-sixes scored), he finally should be signed to the team.
Jenkins has bounced around the league a little, Playing for the then St.Louis Rams, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and most recently, the Tennessee Titans. 27 career interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and over 500 total tackles make Jenkins an intelligent addition.
Jenkins made a Pro Bowl with the Giants in 2016, and he may be sort of a “hot and cold” player, as seen in his stats. But if the Cardinals get lucky and Jenkins gets hot, then there could be another big Keim-time free agent move to help win some games.
The Arizona Cardinals should trade for Darius Slay
“Big Play Slay,” as he’s often referred to, Darius Slay would instantly become the best cornerback in the division for the Arizona Cardinals. He’s only 31 years old, with four Pro Bowls and an All-Pro selection to his name.
Since 2018, Slay has allowed less than 60 percent of passes thrown his way to be completed (all of those were Pro Bowl years, with the exclusion of 2020). He has 23 career interceptions and has a knack for finding the endzone, with two fumbles and interceptions returned for a score in his career.
Imagine what he would do with an offense that can score and get ahead. Slay would be a perfect fit for covering the D.K. Metcalf’s and Deebo Samuel’s of the NFC West. Slay’s contract is relatively low, and maneuvering around to make him work in the cap with Murray’s extension shouldn’t be all that difficult.