Arizona Cardinals Sign Free Agent Running Back Jason Wright

by Hawkwind on Mar 16, 2009 12:02 PM MDT

According to a Cleveland paper, the Arizona Cardinals have signed Jason Wright to a two year contract worth an estimated two million dollars. After visiting with the team on Friday, he's expected to fill the void left by J.J. Arrington on third downs and provide an upgrade in special teams coverage. Reportedly the Browns tried to make an offer to retain Wright, but he chose the Cardinals.

Running back is still an obvious need and Wright won't change that very much. It might open the door for the release of Edgerrin James though considering that there will only be one spot to fill on the depth chart heading into the draft. Time will tell though. What do you think about the signing?

Here's a interesting scouting report courtesy of Mike Sando, our favorite ESPN blogger:

While he certainly isn't flashy and doesn't have exceptional physical prowess, Wright is tough, determined and very reliable in all facets, including special teams -- where he shines. He doesn't get a lot of action, but is a change of pace to the bruising [Jamal] Lewis. He isn't particularly big, strong, nifty or fast, but he studies the game and gets the very most out of his abilities. He sees the hole and attacks it. He also shows good patience, balance and keeps his feet churning on contact. He has soft hands and consistently secures the ball away from his frame, dropping very few passes. He is very impressive in pass protection.

Wright will not run away from anyone at this level and doesn't have the girth or power to carry the load for an extended period of time. He isn't real abrupt in his cuts and lacks the explosiveness you look for from this position. As a special teams player, he shows grit and enthusiasm. He is also a good tackler and a core contributor in all facets. His best role would be as a No. 3 running back, rather than a No. 2, and a valuable contributor on special teams.

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I like it.

It’s what the Cardinals have been doing in FA the last couple years and he fills in nicely for J.J. I still see us drafting a RB very early.

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by Andrew602 on Mar 16, 2009 12:07 PM MDT reply actions

+1

I was mulling over how much of an impact he could potentially have to the current Edge situation, and I think that it’s a safe bet that with Wright’s signing that Edge will be released.

He’s a good, young RB, and comes from a unit that was hungry for success. I think he’s a bargain over JJ’s contract, but as it stands I’ve have preferred JJ. Do we know if Wright is going to be the KR?

And I’ll say this, we’ve seen what’s he’s done consistently over the years, and not just in a contract year.

by CardsFan08 on Mar 16, 2009 1:11 PM MDT up reply actions

Good signing

I don’t think he is as explosive as JJ was, but it sounds like he is a smart kid that can fill the role of 3rd down back and contribute a lot on ST. Getting that for $1M/year is a bargain compared to what Denver is paying for JJ. Hopefully we can find an everydown back in the draft to compete with Hightower for 1st/2nd down.

by jallred350 on Mar 16, 2009 12:11 PM MDT reply actions

Pleased...but not satisfied

Still may need more veteren competition in camp if a good back is not added in the draft.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Mar 16, 2009 1:07 PM MDT reply actions

I think they'll take a RB first round.

Wright isn’t a big enough name or talent to not warrant picking up the best available RB, or RBs in the draft. I wouldn’t be surprised with two RBs this year.

by CardsFan08 on Mar 16, 2009 1:12 PM MDT up reply actions

3rd at the latest I would think

I’m not 100% sold they would pass up a good pass rushing OLB in the first if the right prospect fell to them. I’m guessing they go BPA in the first two rounds out of the following 3 positions: DE/OLB, RB and OL.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Mar 16, 2009 1:23 PM MDT up reply actions

The below post was supposed to be a reply

by CardsFan08 on Mar 16, 2009 1:30 PM MDT up reply actions

Just for clarification: BPA=Best (Person or Postition or Both) Available?

I think you’re right, and that’s a better way to look at it.

So my next question becomes, do you foresee any other free agency moves out there before the draft? Or do they fill in the rest of their needs from the draft?

by CardsFan08 on Mar 16, 2009 1:30 PM MDT reply actions

'player' but person would work

As far as the second question, your quess is as good as mine. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a vet lineman before the draft though.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Mar 16, 2009 2:01 PM MDT up reply actions

Wells

All htis RB talk got me thinking again about the mock drafts that have Chris Wells coming to AZ. I wasnt really THAT high on his because I thought he had durability issues. After watching some ESPN takes on him I wouldnt be surprised if we took him. Yet his improved 40 at his pro day will probably push a team to take him earlier.

If he isnt there to snatch at 31 I say wait until the 3rd to take an RB.

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by sc464 on Mar 16, 2009 2:20 PM MDT reply actions