The Cardinals secondary improved greatly in the final month of the regular season and was excellent in the playoff run. But coaches and management weren't deceived about the need for more talent at cornerback.
That's why the club signed former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden to a two-year, $10 million deal. His addition shores up an immediate weakness and could give the club one of the best defensive backfields in the NFC.
The improvement in the secondary last year was mostly due to the maturation of rookie corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and the growth of Antrel Rolle, who moved from corner to free safety.
By the end of the season, Rodgers-Cromartie had become a dynamic playmaker, and he was being matched against the toughest receivers.
Rolle improved greatly as he became more comfortable at free safety. He made more plays on the ball and he missed fewer tackles.
Strong safety Adrian Wilson remains one of the top players in the NFL. He and Rodgers-Cromartie should play at elite levels. McFadden is a solid corner who will compete with Rod Hood for a starting spot.
Hood was the weak link in the starting lineup last year. Several teams picked on him and had success. Hood was usually in position to make a play but too often he didn't do it.
Hood is still a solid veteran and a great influence on young players. McFadden likely will win the starting job and Hood will move into the nickel role.
Coaches also like backup Michael Adams, who is generously listed at 5-8. But Adams is highly competitive and he played well on special teams during the playoffs.
The club also would like to re-sign veteran Ralph Brown. That would give the team five experienced corners, with a rookie or two likely to join the group.
