In March, the Arizona Cardinals signed former Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier to a two-year, $12.25 million deal. Running backs have never been perceived as the most valuable position in the NFL; in fact, they're usually deemed as expendable. But in this case, Arizona's Allgeier signing was not only a steal, but also their best move of the entire offseason.
On the surface, the Cardinals paid $12 million for a backup running back, a former fifth-round pick, and someone who had just 514 rushing yards last season. That was more so due to lack of opportunity than anything, considering he only had 143 carries behind Bijan Robinson.
Despite the diminished role, Allgeier still managed to exceed Robinson with eight touchdowns. As ESPN pointed out following the signing, Allgeier is a key part of special teams and, most importantly, has never fumbled in his career.
Why Tyler Allgeier is still the Cardinals' offseason steal
They also add that he was open to the idea of returning to Atlanta with his good friend Robinson, but was intrigued by the idea of taking on an increased role elsewhere. The efficiency and even eye test have always suggested that Allgeier was ready for an expanded role, which is why we initially loved the signing for Arizona.
It was a relatively cheap solution to find a starter given the concerns surrounding James Conner and Trey Benson, two backs who suffered season-ending injuries that contributed to the Cardinals ranking second-worst in rushing yards per game, behind the Las Vegas Raiders.
That signing became a little less exciting after Arizona demoted Allgeier to another backup role following their surprising draft selection of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. ESPN added that Allgeier was "interested in the idea of getting the majority of carries somewhere else," which is something he will no longer have with Love in the picture.
Hopefully he's still able to contribute as that efficient goal-line back he was in Atlanta when he spelled Robinson. And while the Cardinals stealing Allgeier does make it more puzzling that they addressed the position with such a high pick in the draft, it doesn't diminish the fact that this was the best signing of their offseason in a vacuum.
Allgeier is in his prime at 26 years old, and the fact that the Cardinals were able to bring him in on good value still gives them tremendous flexibility going forward with what is suddenly a crowded running back room.
Add us as a preferred source on Google