Report: Cardinals expected to lose free agent Kareem Martin to Giants
Mar 14, 2018, 7:46 AM
Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Kareem Martin (96) intercepts a pass as Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein makes the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Free agent outside linebacker Kareem Martin is expected to sign with the New York Giants after the new NFL league year begins Wednesday, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
While Martin saw limited action with the Arizona Cardinals playing behind Pro Bowl linebacker Chandler Jones and sidekick Markus Golden over the past two years, he was heavily utilized as Arizona’s third outside linebacker in former defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s scheme.
Now, it appears Martin will have a chance to build on his first four seasons elsewhere under Bettcher.
Bettcher joined first-year head coach Pat Shurmur’s staff in New York after the Cardinals hired coach Steve Wilks to replace the retiring Bruce Arians.
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Martin, who the Cardinals selected in the third round of the 2014 draft, appeared in all 16 games last season, recording 24 tackles to go with 1.0 sack, one forced fumble, three passes defended and an interception.
He stepped into a larger role when Golden went down with a season-ending ACL injury in October.
In 56 appearances over his four-year career, Martin totaled 51 tackles, 4.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.
By last year’s player position designations, the Cardinals currently do not have an outside linebacker on the roster with more than two years of pro experience.
On top of that, Golden enters the 2018 season with his injury status potentially limiting his availability and production.
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