Arizona Cardinals cut ties with Jamell Fleming
The Arizona Cardinals new regime decided to cut ties with cornerback Jamell Fleming, who looks like a big bust from Rod Graves’s final draft with the Cardinals organization. Likely the next in line of a few disappointing cornerbacks to play for the Oklahoma Sooners, Fleming was selected by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2012 draft and just never stuck. Not only was Fleming buried on the depth chart after failing to separate himself amidst a slew of mediocre options as a rookie, but he was also on the roster bubble this offseason following the additions of the likes of Jerraud Powers (came to Arizona from Bruce Arians’s old home in Indianapolis) and Antoine Cason made Fleming’s spot on the roster uncertain.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jamell Fleming during mini camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
If you click on Adam Schefter’s report above, you will see a tweet from Buffalo Bills beat writer Joe Buscaglia stating that the Bills hosted Fleming prior to the 2012 draft. The reason why this is interesting is because Jamell Fleming could make sense as a reclamation project or short-term flier for the Bills, because the Bills really lack depth at corner right now. Stephon Gilmore will be back in about five games, but adding Fleming could still make sense for the Bills.
For the Arizona Cardinals, it was probably best to move on from Fleming, and the fact that he has been released after just one season in Arizona speaks to just how disappointing he’s been. He failed to make an impression on anybody, and that’s why the Cardinals decided to flood the position with more proven players. Hopefully Fleming can get his career back on track, but he probably should have been selected a round or two later in the draft anyway, thus leading to the perception of him being a bust. He is technically a bust following this quick release, and Oklahoma DBs just seem to be in an unlucky stretch right now.
You know what’s funny? Fleming was being praised heavily at OTAs and minicamp in the 2012 season, and now he’s just looking to turn his career around.
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