The Arizona Cardinals acquired running back Kenyan Drake in a trade with the Miami Dolphins just before the trade deadline. He made an impact immediately with 110 yards in his first game. He has been the team’s No. 1 running back since then and had his best game last week, rushing for 137 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-24 win over the Cleveland Browns.
That makes two big games in the six he has played in Arizona. At the time, the Cardinals had both David Johnson and Chase Edmonds injured. But Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said the trade wasn’t made because of that situation. He said on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM that he would have signed a player off the street to fill in at the position if it were just to fill an injury need.
“We truly thought this was the type of player Kenyan Drake was and that’s why we made the trade for him,” he said.
His contract expires after the season so he will be a free agent.
What does the future hold for Drake? Is there a place on the roster for him with the Cardinals?
“I would certainly love to have Kenyan Drake back,” Keim said. “I think he fits in this offense and really has given us a spark in many ways.”
He said that he doesn’t necessarily have to wait until the offseason to get that taken care of.
It would appear that he has already had some initial contract talks with Drake’s people. Otherwise, he would not be so open about his desire to bring him back.
The question will remain as to how long and for how much money. After all, the Cardinals already have David Johnson on the books next season with more than $10 million in guaranteed salary.
Both Keim and coach Kliff Kingsbury have gushed about Drake’s fit in the offense.
We will in the weeks and months to come how things will unfold for Drake and the running back position for 2020.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
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