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The Arizona Cardinals are expected to sign veteran defensive tackle Domata Peko to the 53-man roster, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The #AZCardinals are expected to sign veteran DT Domata Peko to the 53-man roster when he passes through COVID-19 protocols, per source. He’s currently on a visit to AZ, and will fill the void created by the season-ending injury to DT Corey Peters.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2020
Peko (6-3 325lbs) is a former fourth-round pick out of Michigan State by the Cincinnati Bengals back in the 2006 NFL Draft.
The veteran defensive tackle played his first 11 seasons with the Bengals (2006-16) prior to playing for the Denver Broncos (2017-18) and most recently the Baltimore Ravens (2019).
In his 14-year career, Peko has made 189 starts out of 208 games playing in 4-3 and 3-4 fronts. He has compiled 600 career tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, and three forced fumbles in his time in the NFL.
Earlier in August, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Domata Peko turned down multiple offers in free agency as he was searching for the right fit and a winning team.
Veteran DT Domata Peko has turned down several free-agent offers, I'm told, focused on finding the right fit, city and chance to win. So how does the big man look at age 35? pic.twitter.com/YGDjU0SKs4
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 13, 2020
And there is no question that Peko and the Cardinals are a perfect match.
Not only are the Arizona Cardinals (6-3) a winning team, he will reunite with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who was his head coach in his time with the Broncos as well as a defensive backs coach in his time with the Bengals.
This addition comes at no surprise after the news that nose tackle Corey Peters will be out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury in last week’s win against the Buffalo Bills. Peters was a team captain and the most consistent defensive lineman on the team.
With the hole created after Peters’ injury and his familiarity with Joseph, Peko should be able to contribute right away.
Though the six-day COVID-19 testing and protocols means he will not be available in tonight’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, Peko will be able to play next week when the Cardinals face off against the New England Patriots.