Following the release of receiver Michael Crabtree, the Arizona Cardinals have a roster vacancy. To fill that spot, they are not adding a receiver. Instead, they are getting he;p for special teams.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, they are signing safety and special teams standout Chris Banjo, whom they brought in for a visit on Tuesday.
The team officially announced the move later in the morning.
Banjo gives the Cardinals six safeties on the roster.
His addition could signify that linebacker and special teams ace Zeke Turner still will not be healthy enough to play this weekend. He missed Sunday’s game with hand and hamstring injuries.
Banjo has been in the league since 2013, signing originally with the Jacksonville Jaguars but starting with the Green Bay Packers in terms of playing. He joined the Saints in 2016 and even was signed to a three-year contract extension in March. However, he was cut before the season began.
Banjo has 55 career special teams tackles.
Despite being known more for his play on special teams, he also had two interceptions and three pass breakups last season. The two interceptions came in one game against the Philadelphia Eagles in which he played 13 defensive snaps.
He played 52 defensive snaps in 2018 and 277 special teams snaps, which was nearly 65 percent of the Saints’ special teams snaps.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
