The Arizona Cardinals were not caught by surprise with the news of the six-game suspension cornerback Patrick Peterson received because he violated the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, they knew about it well in advance.
“They have known about this for at least two months, possibly three months,” he said on “Up to the Minute Live.”
As a result, they knew going into free agency they needed to address the position and have done so. They signed veterans Robert Alford and Tramaine Brock. They also drafted Byron Murphy in the second round.
While Peterson is perhaps the league’s best at the position, the Cardinals’ should be able to handle his absence. They believe Murphy is the best cornerback in the draft. Brock knows the defense and has been in the league nine years. He has started 40 games in his career.
This wasn’t good news for Arizona, but the Cardinals prepared themselves well. Brock and Alford are expected to be the starters with Murphy expected to play in the slot.
That is a more-than-capable trio of players to start the year. When Peterson returns, the depth looks even better.
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