Cardinals sign cornerback Tramaine Brock to 1-year deal
Apr 2, 2019, 9:11 AM | Updated: 9:13 am
(AP photos)
Without a clear No. 3 cornerback, the Arizona Cardinals added another option on Tuesday by signing veteran Tramaine Brock to a one-year deal.
Arizona made the decision after meeting Monday with with former Jet Morris Claiborne as well as Brock, a one-time 49er, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Brock, 30, played for the 49ers in his first seven NFL campaigns before spending time with Minnesota (2017) and Denver (2018) in reduced roles.
In 2018, Brock played in 12 games and recorded 23 tackles for the Broncos.
He last played a significant role on a team in 2016, when for the 49ers he recorded a career-high 59 tackles with an interception and 14 passes defensed. San Francisco released him after Brock was arrested on an alleged domestic violence incident; the case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
The Cardinals currently lack a clear-cut third option at cornerback, and who acts as a slot corner for nickel packages remains to be seen with Budda Baker expected to slide out to safety.
As it stands, Patrick Peterson and recently-signed Robert Alford will be the starting cornerbacks. Free agent addition Josh Shaw, returning starter David Amerson and reserves Chris Jones, Deatrick Nichols and Brandon Williams are also in the mix to earn roster spots.
Claiborne, 29, played for New York the last two years. The sixth overall pick in 2012 posted 57 tackles with two interceptions and 14 passes defensed last season.
Claiborne spent his first five NFL seasons with Dallas and struggled with injuries during that span, three times failing to play in more than 10 games.
He’s been relatively healthy of late, starting and playing in 15 regular season games in each of the past two years with the Jets.