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Sticking With Andre Roberts Over Braylon Edwards, Others Has Been Wise For Arizona Cardinals So Far

By Tyler Nickel Updated
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Throughout the offseason, rumors were flying of players that the Arizona Cardinals might have been looking to bring in at the wide receiver position. Instead, Ken Whisenhunt stuck to his guns, continuously praising the development of Andre Roberts and eventually making him the #2 WR across from Larry Fitzgerald. 

Now that we are three games into the season, let's take a look at some of the names that were floating around and whether or not the Cardinals should have attempted to bring them in.

First, here are the stats for Roberts:

RECEIVING KICKOFF RETURNS PUNT RETURNS
YEAR TEAM G REC YDS Y/G AVG LNG TD KR YDS AVG LNG TD PR YDS AVG LNG TD
2011 Cardinals 3 9 89 0 9.8 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

As you can see, he hasn't done too poorly this season. He has only six less receptions than star receiver Larry Fitzgerald and he is quickly becoming a consistent contributor to the Cardinals offense. 

Now for the players that the Cardinals had a chance of signing/trading for:

Lee Evans:

RECEIVING KICKOFF RETURNS PUNT RETURNS
YEAR TEAM G REC YDS Y/G AVG LNG TD KR YDS AVG LNG TD PR YDS AVG LNG TD
2011 Ravens 2 2 45 0 22.5 32 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Braylon Edwards: 

RECEIVING KICKOFF RETURNS PUNT RETURNS
YEAR TEAM G REC YDS Y/G AVG LNG TD KR YDS AVG LNG TD PR YDS AVG LNG TD
2011 49ers 2 4 48 0 12 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Also of note: Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Jerricho Cotchery.

As you can see, Roberts has better stats this season than any of the aforementioned players. Yes, both Edwards and Evans are on new teams, which means having to learn a new offense, but they are veterans, so they should be able to pick it up relatively quick. Roberts is only in his second season and he is the only one to have started all three games this season. 

Aside from that, Cotchery has been out with a hamstring injury all year, Moss has retired from the league (for now) and Owens is rehabbing from ACL surgery. 

Would these numbers be different if Edwards or Evans played for the Cardinals? Probably. They would be relied on more heavily and they would be placed into a more pass-oriented offense led by Kevin Kolb. 

All in all, it looks like Ken Whisenhunt might have made the right decision after all. Roberts is panning out to be a productive young receiver and he could be a big part of this team for years to come. By the time it is all said and done, who would you rather have? Edwards/Evans for one good season or Roberts for multiple great years? 

I look forward to seeing how Roberts' career progresses and I am happy with the front office's decision so far. What about you, fans? Do you think the Cardinals still should have traded for a veteran wide receiver? 

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