clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Was Emmitt Smith the worst Arizona Cardinals free agent signing?

Probably not, but ESPN thinks so.

Gary Williams/Getty Images

Arizona Cardinals fans have been pretty spoiled lately with the success the team has had and is having. They seem to make all the right moves. It wasn't always the case. Now, every team makes mistakes in free agency, giving out big contracts to someone who doesn't end up being any good.

ESPN recently shared who they think the worst free agent signing for each team has been.

For the Cardinals, they say it was Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith.

The three-time Super Bowl champ and four-time rushing champ signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Cardinals in 2003 and was a shadow of the back he once was. In two seasons he ran for 1,193 yards -- fewer rushing yards than he had in a single season nine times. He averaged just 3.3 yards per carry with the Cardinals, and the team went 10-22.

If you recall the move, it was clearly a move to get more fans in the seats. There were so many Cowboys fans here at the time, so trying to cash in on that made sense for a terrible team.

But was the worst? Probably not.

Just a few seasons ago, the Cardinals signed guard Adam Snyder to a five-year contract. He was cut after one seasons and was viewed as a terrible player that season.

They signed Dexter Jackson, who was the previous Super Bowl MVP to a five-year deal in 2003.He had six picks in 2003, but was cut after six games in 2004.

Cornerback Duane Starks was another terrible signing. After four fantastic seasons  with the Baltimore Ravens and being part of one of the greatest defenses of all time, Starks signed with Arizona on a five-year, $23 million contract. He was supposed to be a shutdown corner after 20 interceptions in four seasons.

In Arizona he was no good and injured. He only started 18 games in two seasons before being released.

Ted Ginn signed in 2014 to be a returner and number three receiver. He did return a punt for a touchdown, giving the Cardinals a win in New York, but he was awful on kick returns and was useless on offense for the most part. He was cut after one season of his three year, $9.75 million deal.

Who was the worst signing?