Keim: Cardinals still discussing street free agents at a number of positions
Jun 8, 2017, 7:53 AM | Updated: 7:03 pm
FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2016, file photo, Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) warms up prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Houston Texans in Houston. Johnson was on his way to his seventh 1,000-yard season in eight years before getting hurt last season. He ran for 814 yards in 11 games. His injury gave David Johnson an opportunity to play more and he was dynamic. The Cardinals are good hands with either Johnson, but expect David to get the ball more than Chris. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
As the Arizona Cardinals wrap up mandatory mini-camp — the last team activity until the start of training camp — general manager Steve Keim feels pretty good about his roster.
But, since he became the team’s GM before the 2013 season, Keim has become known for late signings of veteran players that have come in and made an impact for the team. Keim added tackle Eric Winston and outside linebacker John Abraham right before training camp in 2013. The next year, defensive lineman Tommy Kelly was brought into the fold. In 2014, tight end Jermaine Gresham and running back Chris Johnson signed late and made contributions.
So, is there another “Keim sign” on the horizon?
“I won’t get into any specific names, but Michael (Bidwill) and I talked about six-to-eight players who are guys that are still out on the street, who could come in and potentially help us at a number of different positions,” Keim told Doug and Wolf Thursday on 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station.
“As we know from the past, it’s not all about just whether that player fits schematically. It’s when does his value come down, when do we feel comfortable about making the addition. But we’ll continue to be aggressive — we’ll leave no stone unturned. Our pro department does a phenomenal job, led by Quentin Harris and Terry McDonough. Those guys are as good as it gets in the business, in my opinion.”
There is speculation that the Cardinals could be in the market for a backup to star running back David Johnson. Of the few names out there, one makes sense: Chris Johnson. Johnson has spent two injury-riddled seasons in Arizona after joining the team during training camp in 2015. He said earlier this week that he believes he’ll be on a roster before training camp.
The veteran would help give depth to a position that currently has Andre Ellington, Kerwynn Williams, Elijah Penny and rookie T.J. Logan on the roster.
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