The Cardinals got stronger in their secondary and their special teams on Wednesday, with the addition of former Chiefs cornerback Javier Arenas.
In exchange for Arenas, Arizona sends fullback Anthony Sherman to Kansas City.
Arenas was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round (50th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. Arenas played in 47 games for the Chiefs and made 12 starts. He had 149 tackles (115 solo), two INTs, 23 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
He also had 153 punt returns for 1,029 yards (9.8 yard avg.) and 50 kick returns for 1,048 yards (21.0 yard avg.).
Arenas has been very durable since coming into the league. He’s missed one game.
In 2011, he led the AFC and finished third in the league with a 12.8 yard punt return average.
Once the Chiefs brought in cornerbacks Sean Smith and Dunta Robinson via free agency, that pushed Arenas further down the depth chart.
Having a possible combination of Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu and Arenas in the return game, along with some of the newest draftees and undrafted free agents, should give opposing teams fits.
Sherman was special teams captain for the Cardinals last season. He had a small role in the offense, touching the ball just 14 times in two seasons.
In head coach Bruce Arians’ vertical passing system, the fullback wouldn’t seem to be an important cog, so dealing away Sherman for Arenas just makes sense.
In Kansas City, Sherman would figure to be a lead blocker for running back Jamaal Charles.
