Cardinals free agency outlook: RB Kenyan Drake
Among the many soon-to-be free agents the Arizona Cardinals have is running back Kenyan Drake. Will he return in 2021?
Drake was acquired via trade halfway through the 2019 season and then re-signed in the offseason using the transition tag. He made nearly $8.5 million in salary.
His 2020 season was not spectacular but it was productive. He missed one game with an injury and played in 15, rushing for 955 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 4.0 yards per attempt.
His rushing yards and touchdown totals were career highs.
When he rushed for at least 60 yards in a game, the Cardinals were 6-2.
He now will be a free agent again.
Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury has had nothing but good things to say about Drake and has described him as a perfect fit in their offense.
However, the team also views Chase Edmonds, who enters his fourth NFL season, as a starting running back in the NFL capable of being an every-down back.
However, Kingsbury wants at least two running backs he can trust to carry the load. That means another running back other than Edmonds, as 2020 seventh-round pick Eno Benjamin has not shown anything yet.
Drake turns 27 this month and enters the prime of his career with the opportunity to sign a multi-year deal.
Whether he returns to the Cardinals is likely a question of price. Paying him more than $8 million a year is not likely.
He will want some longer-term security. Arizona will not want to pay too much.
On a two or three-year deal paying $5-6 million per year? That is probably the sweet spot. If he can get more or a better situation, he will take it.
Drake’s 2021 return: 50/50
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