Cardinals Must Sign This Former Eagles CB: A Solution to Their Secondary Woes?
The Arizona Cardinals are facing a crucial offseason, needing to address several key areas to improve their competitiveness in 2023. One glaring weakness lies in their secondary, a unit that struggled mightily throughout the 2022 season. While general manager Monti Ossenfort will likely address this issue through both the draft and free agency, one potential solution presents itself in the form of a familiar face to many Cardinals fans: Darius Slay.
The Case for Slay: A Proven Veteran with Championship Experience
Slay, a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time First-Team All-Pro, is a highly-regarded corner with a proven track record of success. During his four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, he was a dominant force in the NFC East, shutting down opposing receivers and contributing significantly to the Eagles' Super Bowl LII victory.
Here's why signing Slay would be a savvy move for the Cardinals:
- Experience and Leadership: Slay brings a wealth of experience to the table, having played 10 seasons in the NFL. His leadership and knowledge of the game would be invaluable to a young Cardinals secondary.
- Ball-Hawking Skills: Slay is a ballhawk who has proven his ability to intercept passes. The Cardinals desperately need more playmakers in their secondary, and Slay fits the bill.
- Proven Success: Slay's track record speaks for itself. He has consistently been one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL and has even been recognized as a top-five player at his position.
Concerns and Considerations: Age and Contract
While Slay's addition would undoubtedly be a positive step for the Cardinals, there are a few concerns that must be addressed:
- Age: At 32 years old, Slay's age is a factor to consider. While he has proven his longevity and ability to play at a high level, his athleticism might start to decline in the coming years.
- Contract: Slay is likely seeking a significant contract, and the Cardinals may not be willing to invest heavily in a veteran cornerback.
Making the Move: A Calculated Risk
The decision to sign Slay would be a calculated risk. While his age and contract demands are potential hurdles, his impact on the Cardinals' secondary could be transformative. His experience, leadership, and proven ability to shut down opposing receivers would be invaluable to a team seeking to improve their defensive performance.
The Cardinals have a need for a proven corner like Slay. If they can work out the financial details and feel confident in his potential, signing him would be a smart move to bolster their defense and improve their chances of success in the highly competitive NFC West.
