ARIZONA CARDINALS
Cardinals’ Kenyan Drake: ‘Everything up in the air’ regarding contract
Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake (41) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake was just 45 yards away from breaking the 1,000-yard threshold on the ground in 2020.
Still, he led the team with career highs in rushing (955) to go along with 10 touchdowns. Drake also added 25 receptions for 137 yards, adding to his value as a versatile back.
And he did so while playing on a one-year transition tag, leaving his status with the Cardinals murky at best with free agency right around the corner.
“My team … is doing [its] job diligently, working in that degree to put me in the best position from that standpoint,” Drake told Good Morning Football on Tuesday. “Like the video just pointed out with me working out, that’s my main focus right now. Once we get to that bridge we’ll cross it.
“There hasn’t really been too much dialogue right now. I know the league and teams are trying to figure out the cap room, that type of situation. Like I said, once we cross that bridge we’ll get there, but as of right now, I’m kinda focused on making sure I put my best foot forward in this offseason. And just get to that 1,000 yards.”
This free agency cycle gives Drake the freedom to test the waters for the first time as an NFL player, having been traded from the Miami Dolphins in 2019 before the Cardinals placed the transition tag on him last offseason.
With likely more than one suitor looking to acquire his services, Drake is going to do his due diligence before pulling the trigger with his sights set on reaching the 1,000-yard echelon and the playoffs.
“Being in this league and being in the position I’m in is a blessing. There’s going to be several different circumstances that I guess I’ll come together with my team and deliberate with who exactly we feel would be the best fit,” Drake said. “But right now, I feel like everything is up in the air. I would just appreciate a team coming in and allowing me to continue to play my game and help the team win games being a versatile playmaker out the backfield.
“I didn’t get to 1,000 rushing [yards] this year as a goal of mine. I appreciate the O-line and everyone else around me who was trying to get me there. But three straight years with 1,000 rushing and receiving, so just trying to take the gains as they go. Just continue to get better year in and year out.”
