We have nearly reached the end of our offseason positional reviews. Now we look at the group of safeties, which was believed to be a strength, then was a liability and then developed again into a strength.
We will go over what happened in 2019, address offseason questions and discuss what is coming at the position in 2020.
2019 review
When the season began, safety was supposed to be a position of strength. With Budda Baker and veteran D.J. Swearinger, it was supposed to be enough to help weather the issues at cornerback with Patrick Peterson’s suspension and Robert Alford’s broken leg.
Swearinger’s play completely fell off. He was cut after four games it was so bad. That left rookies Deionte Thompson and Jalen Thompson to play.
They split time until Jalen eventually became an every-down player and looks like he could be a starter moving forward.
Baker earned a Pro Bowl starter berth after leading the NFL in solo tackles.
By the end of the season, it was the defense’s best position group.
Current roster
- Budda Baker: signed through 2020
- Chris Banjo: unrestricted free agent
- Deionte Thompson: signed through 2022
- Jalen Thompson: signed through 2022
- Charles Washington: restricted free agent
Offseason question: Will Baker get a contract extension?
Baker enters the final year of his contract and is eligible for a contract extension. As one of the team’s two Pro Bowlers from last season, locking him up long-term might be something the Cardinals want to do.
Based on previous history, any new deal will likely come closer to training camp once they know what they have after free agency and the draft.
Offseason question: What will the Thompsons do in Year 2?
Jalen Thompson emerged as a player the Cardinals can rely on. His development likely means the Cardinals do not need to add a starting safety in free agency.
Deionte made plays in limited playing time but Jalen’s play kept him off the field after he came back from an injury.
If Deionte makes strides, the Cardinals could have a nice position battle in the offseason and training camp.
Offseason outlook
With many needs elsewhere, it would be a surprise if the Cardinals spend starter money at safety. They lack a veteran presence, so a veteran rotational player who can play special teams as well probably will be added. Chris Banjo could be brought back.
They could always draft another safety, but it won’t likely happen until Day 3, although having already used a fifth-round pick last year and giving up this year’s fifth-round pick to acquire Jalen Thompson in the supplementary draft, I wouldn’t expect it.
In 2020, it should once again be a position of strength like it was at the end of 2019.
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Ep. 258
Ep. 257
