The Arizona Cardinals used the transition tag this offseason on running back Kenyan Drake, which will pay him more than $8.4 million in salary for the 2020 season. Because players often seek the security of a long-term contract and the freedom to join a team who is willing to pay them, many are upset when a team uses a tag like the transition tag or franchise tag, which pays well for one season.
That was not the case for Drake and the Cardinals.
“With them tagging me, it wasn’t really a slap in the face or anything,” Drake said in an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio with hosts Bruce Murray and Mark Dominik. “They wanted to get a gauge of my market. Everything happened how it did with me signing the tag, it put me in a pretty decent position from a financial standpoint, especially among my fellow running backs.”
Only eight running backs will receive more actual money for 2020 in the NFL than Drake.
The Cardinals have begun in contract talks for a long-term deal with Drake, though general manager Steve Keim only has said talks have begun. It is unknown how much engagement there has been.
It isn’t a point of contention for Drake. He is happy to be a Cardinal and happy to play for a team that believes in him. He would like to continue with the team if a deal can be made.
“I’m fortunate they saw in me what I see in myself and hopefully, we can continue to work on a long term deal in the future,” he said.
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Ep. 266
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Ep.265
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