The Arizona Cardinals are trading running back Corey Kiner to the New England Patriots in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2028, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday.
It's a good win on the margins for Arizona to come away with some future asset. Kiner was likely a player Arizona was about to cut anyway, having to narrow down its roster to 53 by Sunday's 6:00 p.m. ET deadline.
This decision by the Cardinals is more telling about their stacked running back room than Kiner's performance in the preseason.
Arizona continues to sort out its crowded running back room
He just came off a strong showing in their loss to the Green Bay Packers, totaling 35 rushing yards in seven carries. That may not have saved Kiner's Cardinals' future, but it was apparently enough to get New England's attention.
Though the Patriots could've waited for Kiner to be waived by the Cardinals, this minor move guarantees some other team doesn't steal him during that process. Meanwhile, Arizona continues to sort out its crowded group.
The Cardinals waived Trey Benson, who ultimately rejoined on IR. Now, they've moved on from Kiner, picking up any future assets they could.
Both were difficult but necessary moves by Arizona, which is finally getting clarity heading into Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Mike LaFleur said he wants to have this team peaking by then.
That could come down to whether they have Jeremiyah Love to start the season. Arizona's coveted rookie continues to progress in his recovery from an ankle sprain, but is trending upwards and still has time to get right by the September 13 season opener.
This is the first of many games the Cardinals will be underdogs in this season, and they'll need all the offensive firepower they can get to pull off the upset. That includes a more balanced offense under LaFleur, who is hoping to revitalize a Cardinals rushing attack that ranked 31st in rushing yards per game last season, finishing only ahead of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Arizona certainly paid a premium to address that externally this offseason, bringing in both Notre Dame's Love and former Atlanta Falcon Tyler Allgeier. The downside of that is talented running backs like James Conner, Benson, and now Kiner have become afterthoughts in this room.
This is a minor trade but benefits everyone involved, as he should find more success in New England.
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