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Arizona Cardinals: Major move at cornerback is surprising

By Larry Brake

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 03: Defensive back Tramon Williams #25 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up against wide receiver Josh Reynolds #83 of the Los Angeles Rams during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 03: Defensive back Tramon Williams #25 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up against wide receiver Josh Reynolds #83 of the Los Angeles Rams during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals traded for Jamar Taylor and then made a very surprising move.

The Arizona Cardinals obtained Jamar Taylor from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Taylor was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2013 as the 54th overall selection. He was dealt to Cleveland in 2016.

In Cleveland, he started 29 games. Taylor intercepted three passes and defended 23 passes thrown his way. He is credited with a half a sack to go along with making 94 tackles and assisting on 25 tackles.

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reports of Taylor’s willingness to restructure his contract:

"…word was that Taylor reworked his contract in order to help make the deal possible…Taylor’s base salary for the 2018 season has dropped from $4.25 million to $975,000…As a result of that tweak, Taylor’s cap number has dropped by $2.75 million…"

Since the Cardinals added Taylor, room on the roster was needed. As a result, Marcus Williams was released. Williams was signed in April to a one year contract.

Last season’s starter, Tramon Williams signed with Green Bay. Arizona hoped that Marcus could replace Tramon in a Williams swap. Consequently, it did not work out. Jess Root of cardswire.usatoday.com writes:

"Williams had been the most accomplished and experienced cornerback on the roster to battle for the second starting job, but apparently had not impressed in offseason workouts, one minicamp and a week of OTAs."

The Cardinals have nine cornerbacks on their roster, currently. Six have played three years or less in the NFL. Christian Campbell was a sixth round draft pick this year. Expect Steve Wilks to put his handprint on the Cardinals defense. Remember he was the secondary coach for the Carolina Panthers. Taylor is just a tweak to the secondary.

Next: NFL 2018: Rookie class bold predictions

It’s surprising that Williams was cut instead of an inexperienced player. Either Williams or Taylor could have started and the other play as the slot corner. Let’s see how everything plays out through OTAs and training camp.

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