The Arizona Cardinals want to re-signed running back Kenyan Drake this offseason after he showed everyone he is capable of being a No. 1 back on a team. General manager Steve Keim said as much in a radio interview before the season was over.
Drake is open to coming back to the Cardinals, but he is keeping his options open. He knows he has to be cognizant of the football situation but ultimately, where he lands will be a financial decision.
“Football is the ultimate team sport, so, obviously, I want to put myself in the best position that I have the best guys around me,” Drake said on PFT Live (via Pro Football Talk). “The best individuals in general, not just football players, but at the same time understand [that] behind the game there is a business. I want to make sure I do the right thing for not just right now, but for the trajectory of my family. I play this game to change the lives of the people around me, who I love and care about.”
By the sound of it, if the Cardinals want him, they better be prepared to pay him so he doesn’t go elsewhere.
It is not yet known exactly what sort of demand he will have on the open market. In four seasons, he mostly has been used as a complementary back. But in Arizona, given the opportunity to carry the offensive load, he performed highly. In only eight games with the Cardinals, he was their leading rusher and leading touchdown scorer. He had three 100-yard games. He scored seven touchdowns in the final three games.
He made plays as a runner and a receiver.
Now he wants to get a contract that will take care of him and his family.
As of now, it sounds like he is willing to wait until free agency begins to see what is out there.
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Ep. 256
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Ep. 255
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