The Arizona Cardinals' cornerback position was heavily addressed this offseason with three new players added via the draft on top of veteran free-agent signing Sean Murphy-Bunting. But according to Bleacher Report, it may not be enough.
In their evaluations of NFL team needs, B/R's Matt Holder says the Cardinals need to target free agent CB Bradley Roby.
"The Cardinals defense could use some reinforcements, especially in the secondary where the unit is young. Adding Roby would bring some experience to the position group, and it helps that he's shown the ability to line up at nickel or on the boundary," wrote Holder.
Opposite of Murphy-Bunting are youngsters Starling Thomas, Max Melton and Kei'Trel Clark. Garrett Williams currently holds down slot duties in Arizona.
Cardinals Need Experience in Secondary
The addition of a veteran in the room isn't a bad idea for a young Cardinals secondary. Outside of Murphy-Bunting, guys such as Melton, Clark, Williams are either rookies or are in their second year of action.
Roby - 32 years of age - last played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. In nine games with the club, he registered 22 tackles and one forced fumble while allowing 20 completions on 33 targets, per Pro Football Reference. Roby's also made stops with the New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos - where he won Super Bowl 50. He's played in 135 NFL games.
Is Roby the Answer for Arizona?
While adding a veteran to the Cardinals secondary may seem like a good idea, some may question whether Roby is the right fit for Arizona.
If the Cardinals were truly interested in bringing in a veteran, it likely would have happened already. Arizona holds roughly $30 million in cap space, though they could make a move by the NFL's trade deadline in November.
Whether the Cardinals decide to make a move for Roby remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the team is looking to improve their secondary, and Roby could be a valuable addition to the roster.
Cardinals Need More Than Just Roby?
While Roby could certainly help the Cardinals' secondary, he may not be the only answer to their defensive woes. The Cardinals' defense has been struggling in recent years, and they need to make some significant changes to turn things around.
Some of those changes may need to involve a complete overhaul of the defense. While acquiring Roby will add experience and some needed depth to the cornerback position, the Cardinals need to make sure the right infrastructure is in place if they want to find success on defense. This could include bringing in a new defensive coordinator, a strategy change, or even an upgrade in the secondary.
Ultimately, the Cardinals need to make a decision about their future and whether they are looking for a quick fix or a long-term solution. If they want to compete for a championship, they need to make sure they have the right pieces in place, both on the field and in the coaching staff.
