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The Arizona Cardinals brought Andre Ellington back on a one-year deal earlier this month but not to play running back.
Today during NFL meetings, Bruce Arians said and later confirmed by Darren Urban that the four-year veteran will be switching positions from running back to wide receiver.
Arians said Andre Ellington is coming back as a wide receiver. Will meet in the wide receivers room.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) March 29, 2017
The “former” running back was sensational in his rookie season as both a runner and receiver, averaging 5.5YPC and had over 1000 scrimmage yards. Since then, he has battled through injuries and tried to find time on the field. Though he eclipsed over 1000 scrimmage yards in 2014, his yards per carry dropped to 3.3 but remained effective as a pass catching running back.
His number of carries and yard per carry dropped significantly this past season due to injuries and reduced workload as a result to Kerwynn Williams success. He was always successful when given space as a pass catching running back. His speed and agility just makes him very difficult to cover. His fluid and natural pass catching ability makes for an easy transition for Ellington.
“Just get me in space, man. That’s when i’m at my best,” Ellington said.
Also reported earlier today, the Arizona Cardinals made an addition to their roster.
.@AZCardinals sign speedy WR Harvey Binford. Spent time with Packers last year.https://t.co/5FW3DxqkXB
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) March 29, 2017
The former Packer ran a 4.22 during his 2016 Pro Day and ran 4.3 during the veteran combine, reported by Darren Urban. Larry Fitzgerald, Jaron Brown, John Brown, Andre Ellington, and JJ Nelson are pretty much locked in at wide receiver. That means he will have to compete with Marquis Bundy, Aaron Dobson, Brittan Golden, Marvin Hall, Chris Hubert and Jeremy Ross for a spot on the roster.