2 Ex-Vikings Could Solve Cardinals’ Problem
The Arizona Cardinals finished the 2024 campaign with an 8-9 record and are on tap for more of the same this season, according to oddsmakers, with an 8.5-win forecast.
The Arizona Cardinals evidently need some roster help, and Stephon Gilmore or Shaquill Griffin could do the trick.
That’s also the win total prediction from oddsmakers for the Minnesota Vikings, and coincidentally, two former Vikings cornerbacks could aid the Cardinals’ sudden cornerback depth problem, per CBS Sports.
In short, the Cardinals lost cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting for the season last week due to injury and might need some depth as a replacement. Ex-Vikings defenders Stephon Gilmore or Shaquill Griffin could evidently do the trick.
Cardinals Need CB Help after Sean Murphy-Bunting News
CBS Sports‘ Jeff Kerr wrote about the Cardinals’ CB situation, “The Arizona Cardinals lost one of their starting cornerbacks before minicamp began. Sean Murphy-Bunting, who started 15 games for Arizona last season, was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list — ending the 27-year-old’s 2025 campaign. Murphy-Bunting’s injury is not yet known.”
“Murphy-Bunting had three interceptions and five passes defended for the Cardinals in 2024, his first year with the team. Opposing cornerbacks targeting Murphy-Bunting completed 70.8% of their passes and had a 74.8 passer rating against him. Heading into the second year of a three-year, $25.5 million contract, the Cardinals could be in the hunt for a starting cornerback.”
Arizona’s defense ranked 14th in 2024 per DVOA, so 2024 will be about taking the next step into the Top 10.
Kerr added, “They drafted Will Johnson in the second round this year, while also having 2024 second-round pick Max Melton and 2023 third-round pick Garrett Williams projected to be in the slot. There are plenty of veteran cornerbacks available around the league in free agency as OTAs are getting into full swing. These are the top cornerbacks still on the market.”
It’s a brutal blow for Murphy-Bunting, losing his age-28 season, also known as a cornerback’s prime.
Stephon Gilmore as a CB Solution in Arizona
So, if the Cardinals need beef to replace Murphy-Bunting, Gilmore is an option, says Kerr.
He wrote, “The former Defensive Player of the Year is still going strong in his mid-30s, as Gilmore was a stabilizing presence in the Vikings secondary last season. Gilmore allowed five passing touchdowns and a 78.0 passer rating in coverage last season but that was attributed to the defensive scheme more than his abilities.”
“Perhaps being 35 plays a role on why Gilmore is still available, but he has allowed a passer rating under 65.0 as the primary defender in coverage in five of the last seven seasons. Gilmore is still an asset for a secondary in the right system.”
Minnesota signed Gilmore last summer after rookie corner Khyree Jackson passed away and Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL. All in all, the Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler filled in admirably as a stopgap solution.
Most don’t believe the Cardinals are a contender, but Gilmore would serve as wise insurance in Arizona.
Shaquill Griffin, Too
Minnesota also employed Griffin in 2024. Kerr noted on Griffin, “Griffin had a good year in coverage last season, as opposing quarterbacks completed just 50.9% of their passes and had a 54.1 passer rating against him when he was targeted as the primary defender. Griffin allowed two touchdown passes and had two interceptions.”
“Turning 30 this July, Griffin and the Seahawks have discussed a reunion this month — yet hasn’t signed anywhere. He’s improved in coverage with age, allowing a 57.4 passer rating when being targeted as the primary defender over the last two seasons (686 coverage snaps).”
Griffin could be in play for Minnesota as well if general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decides he needs more proven corners.
Arizona Also Has Will Johnson for This Very Reason
One month ago, Arizona watched as Michigan corner Will Johnson slid into Round 2 of the draft. For a couple of months during the draft’s lead-up, Johnson was theorized as a Top 10 or Top 12 pick.
With Murphy-Bunting sidelined all season, using Johnson in the lineup sooner rather than later checks some boxes.
Other Free Agent CBs
If not Gilmore or Griffin, Kerr mentioned free agents Rasul Douglas, Mike Hilton, and Asante Samuel Jr. Those three have not signed contracts yet for 2025.
Another man, often linked to Minnesota if it needed another corner, Jack Jones, is available, too.
Minnesota will play Arizona again in 2027.
We Endorse 2 Trades for the Vikings
You must be logged in to post a comment.