The Arizona Cardinals have been treading mediocrity over the last couple of years. Bringing on Kyler Murray as the quarterback has given them a solid offense. But the defense remains suspect, lowering their ceiling considerably.
With upgrades a necessity on that side of the football, Arizona has been hard at work to rebuild the roster in a defensive vein. However, one analyst believes they could supercharge that rebuild by adding one of the best available veterans in the trade market.
Could the Arizona Cardinals Find Defensive Centerpiece?
Last year, the Cardinals ranked 27th on PFSN’s Defense+ metric. An awful showing all year long was highlighted by the lack of talent beyond Budda Baker. However, the team identified its problem and had a clear direction for the offseason.
The additions of Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell, and Dalvin Tomlinson should raise their ceiling somewhat. However, out on the secondary, their work remains incomplete. That is where Brad Crawford of CBS Sports believes going after Jalen Ramsey might be a smart bet.
The veteran corner spent the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, earning his seventh Pro Bowl selection in the process. A former champion and three-time All-Pro team member, his reputation as one of the best defensive backs is set in stone.
At 30, his price might be a bit too steep as he enters a three-year contract worth $72.3 million. But with the immediate need for the Cardinals, the trade might be a smart gamble on their end, especially with Sean Murphy-Bunting out for the year.
Multiple #NFL teams have contacted #Dolphins about trading for Jalen Ramsey pic.twitter.com/fKycfCE3PZ
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums)
“They drafted rookies Will Johnson and Denzel Burke from Michigan and Ohio State, respectively,” Crawford said of Arizona. “Ramsey could help those guys develop, along with second-year defensive back Max Melton.”
Both Burke and Johnson were excellent prospects, seen as long-time veterans in their scouting reports. However, their impact in the secondary as a rookie might not be as expansive as the Cardinals need.
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That’s the value Ramsey could provide. Not only would he be a steady option against the pass for Arizona, but he could also work as the perfect mentor and locker room leader for the trio of youngsters.
In exchange, Crawford believes draft compensation and some wide receiver help could do the trick, potentially. After two seasons with the team, Ramsey requested a trade, and Dolphins general manager Chris Grier was happy to comply with his request.
As the two sides search for a trade partner, Arizona might be as good as it gets, with Ramsey having the chance to elevate them back into the playoffs while rejuvenating a lackluster defense.