ARIZONA CARDINALS

Chris Johnson is back, but what’s next for Cardinals’ GM Steve Keim?

Jul 21, 2017, 8:57 AM | Updated: 11:29 am

(AP Photos)...

(AP Photos)

(AP Photos)

The Arizona Cardinals, maybe unsurprisingly, re-signed running back Chris Johnson to a one-year deal Thursday, the day before the team reports to training camp in Glendale.

Moves at this late stage of the offseason are nothing new for Arizona general manager Steve Keim. Since taking over the reins of the Cardinals’ football operations in 2013, Keim has made such maneuvers practically a yearly occurrence.

So what’s next? Could the Cardinals continue to add players to their roster as they try to recapture the NFC West crown after a disappointing 2016?

NFL insider John Clayton joined Doug and Wolf Friday morning on 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station to discuss some of the still unsigned free agents that could make some sense for Keim to call.

Clayton started with Perry Riley, a linebacker who spent last season with Oakland and started 11 games, registering 48 total tackles.

“He’s going to be very cheap, minimum salary,” Clayton said. “He hasn’t re-signed with Oakland and I was surprised about that.”

The longtime NFL scribe also mentioned veteran Paul Kruger, a 31-year-old defensive end/outside linebacker, who had a less-than-productive season in New Orleans last year.

But the position that may make the most sense for Keim and the Cardinals to focus on could be cornerback. All-Pro Patrick Peterson patrols one side of the field, but the team has had trouble locking down the other corner spot. Last season, Keim swung a deal with Kansas City after training camp to acquire Marcus Cooper, who played decently and was a Pro Bowl alternate. Cooper used his opportunity in the desert to attract a nice free agent contract from the Chicago Bears this offseason.

Veteran Justin Bethel, second-year player Brandon Williams and Canadian product Elie Bouka appear to be the in-house front-runners for the position as camp begins. But there are some intriguing names left on the market, as Clayton pointed out.

“Alterraun Verner, who had been let go by Tampa Bay, that’s one I kind of wonder about because they do need some help at corner,” Clayton said.

Verner, 28, spent the last three seasons with the Buccaneers, racking up 148 total tackles, 20 passes defended and four interceptions in 46 games. Prior to landing in Tampa Bay, Verner spent four seasons with the Tennessee Titans and was a Pro Bowler in 2013 when he had 57 tackles, 22 passes defended and five interceptions. He parlayed that into a four-year, $25.75 million deal with the Bucs, but was cut in February.

“To me, Verner is one of the best corners on the street,” Clayton said.

Arizona Cardinals

Darius Robinson at rookie minicamp...

Damon Allred

PFF offseason grades: Cardinals earn a B+ with potential for an A

Pro Football Focus released its grades for all 32 teams on Thursday, and the Cardinals got a B+ that can reach an "A" level.

2 hours ago

Jonathan Gannon looks on...

Tyler Drake

What does Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon look for in an NFL schedule?

The NFL's annual schedule release parlays quickly into way-too-early predictions. For Jonathan Gannon, it's much more measured.

8 hours ago

Kyler Murray looks to run...

Tyler Drake

By the numbers: Arizona Cardinals’ 2024 schedule

There is quite a lot to dissect when diving in the Arizona Cardinals' 2024 schedule. A closer look at the slate of games by the numbers:

9 hours ago

Follow @AZSports...

Haboob Blog

NFL teams continue trend of amusing, creative schedule release videos

Lots of teams across the National Football League continued to meet the standard set on schedule release day.

1 day ago

An overall view of State Farm Stadium during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals schedule includes primetime vs. Chargers on ESPN+

The Arizona Cardinals are back on the primetime NFL schedule after not playing a game outside of Sunday mornings and afternoons in 2023.

1 day ago

Monti Ossenfort...

Dan Bickley

Arizona Cardinals’ schedule favors potential run to playoffs

The Cardinals are feeling the excitement. Their newly minted schedule will only help them make the playoffs in the months ahead.

1 day ago

Chris Johnson is back, but what’s next for Cardinals’ GM Steve Keim?