While the Arizona Cardinals' quarterback situation is still in a state of flux, the team is continuing to load up their offense with weapons for whatever player is under center next season. The team signed Rashard Mendenhall to be their premier running back and now they are looking at wide receivers. The Cardinals shown high interest in Cleveland Browns' free agent Josh Cribbs, however he has failed the team physical and might no longer be an option.
Cribbs was released last week by the Browns and was reportedly close to signing a contract with the Cardinals. However that is now on hold due to the failed physical. Cribbs was drafted by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005. Since then, he has been one of the team's top receivers and elite kick returners. He is a three-time Pro Bowler. Over eight years in the NFL, he averaged 11 yards per punt return and 25.9 yards per kick return. However in receiving, he only caught seven passes for 63 yards last season.
Cribbs wanted to remain in Cleveland and told the team he would even take a pay cut to stay. However the team decided to part ways with him since he had developed into a one-trick pony. His failed physical with the team is due to offseason knee surgery due to a meniscus tear. Cribbs' agent believes the situation will get taken care of.
With Cribbs possibly out of the picture, the team has roster space for another receiver. They have reportedly been showing interest in Darrius Heyward-Bey after he was released by the Oakland Raiders. While Heyward-Bey never developed into a true starter, he did average over 800 yards the last two seasons. The Cardinals do not need a starter, just someone to take the pressure off Larry Fitzgerald. Heyward-Bey is generating a lot of buzz around the league. This could force the Cardinals into making a decision sooner rather than later on what to do for a receiver. Teams like Buffalo, New England and the Jets are all rumored to want Heyward-Bey.
It is still likely that the Cardinals will work out the situation with Cribbs and sign him to the deal they intended on. However, if they decide to move, there are plenty ofquality receivers they can sign to a low contract still available.