Arizona Cardinals: Surprising Cuts and Other Roster Moves

It's one of the very few unfortunate things about the NFL: You can only have 53 players on your roster. 

Sucks to be the guys cut. 

And every year, there are guys who probably shouldn't be cut but are—because they are too expensive, the teams doesn't need them, or whatever. 

But that always makes the few days before the season interesting, because you know there's a decent chance one of those players will land elsewhere, where they are needed. 

In Arizona's case, they have a need for depth at running back, and still need some pass rush help. 

Could they find a couple of guys that could help them? 

Maybe...

Surprising Cuts: Ben Graham

The Cardinals actually didn't make any headlines with the players they cut from their team. 

Well, maybe with one possible exception—the punter. 

I was a little surprised they cut Ben Graham, who's been a decent punter for the last few years for Arizona.

The punter they kept? Dave Zastudil. 

Never heard of him until recently. Nothing seems to jump out about him. His average is decent, averaging 44.7 yards per punt with the Browns in '09 and sent 25 inside the 20.

However, he didn't play last year.

It's an intriguing move, but it should work out fine.  

Surprise Signing: Chester Taylor

I really think the Cardinals did the right thing here. 

They needed a veteran back who would provide solid depth if Beanie Wells went down. 

I think they got just that. 

Taylor is 31, but the Cardinals aren't expecting him to feature, only be a solid role player. 

He should do that, and provide some help on third downs. He's an excellent receiver out of the backfield and is a good blocker. 

He also could provide some goal line work. 

All in all, I like the move. 

Surprising Cut: Quan Sturdivant

Usually seventh rounders have trouble making the team, but sixth rounders usually have a decent chance. 

Now, technically Sturdivant still does, provided he's not claimed on waivers. If he is not, he will be on the practice squad. 

Still, for a guy that I thought maybe could start at some point this year, it's a step back. 

Pick Up Tommie Harris?

Here's the thing...I know he's old. 

But it's not like Arizona would bring him in to be the starter; he'd back up Dan Williams. 

I'm not sure who you'd cut to get him, but he's intriguing as a nose tackle in a 3-4. David Carter, who's been playing some tackle, is really more of a defensive end. 

And since we are keeping only six defensive linemen, it might be better to add some depth. 

Other Additions and Subtractions

Again, nothing really surprising for Arizona.

It was a little surprising when they kept five tight ends at first, but that was taken care of when they cut Steven Spach, which I was actually thankful for (I thought Jim Dray had more upside). 

They also added to their cornerback depth, signing Crezdon Butler and Korey Lindsey. 

The biggest signing by far was Taylor, as the Cards did a good job of picking him quickly before someone else got him.