The Arizona Cardinals are closing in on a trade to acquire cornerback Jamar Taylor from the Cleveland Browns, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Taylor had two years remaining on his deal but, according to Rapoport, has restructured the contract to help the trade along.
Arizona and Cleveland had discussed a deal during the 2018 NFL Draft in late April but remained in contact after not coming to an agreement, Rapoport added.
Seeking a second cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson, the Cardinals reportedly worked out Bashaud Breeland on Thursday. The four-year NFL vet had a strong resume with at least 14 games played in the past four years but suffered a foot injury that required a skin graft — the injury led the Carolina Panthers to rescinding a three-year contract with Breeland in March.
Taylor, a 2013 second-round pick, played the last two seasons with Cleveland, compiling 119 tackles, three interceptions and 23 passes defensed over 31 games played.
The 27-year-old played his first three NFL seasons for the Miami Dolphins, appearing in 33 games with them.
Taylor, who played college football at Boise State, has compiled 201 tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble and 27 passes defensed over five years in the NFL.
He will earn $4.25 million in salary this season for Arizona, and that is the cap hit. The Cardinals do not take on any of his prorated salary bonus. He is due to make $4.075 million in 2019.
He presumably will begin with the first team in OTAs when they resume next week.
Per Ian Wharton (good friend of the program) who graded all corners in the NFL, Taylor ranked 39th among qualifying cornerbacks for success as a boundary corner in 2017. For reference, Tramon Williams was Wharton’s 12th ranked corner while Peterson was Wharton’s 31st.
Wharton charted Taylor’s stats: 54 targets, 29 receptions, 53.70% completion percentage, 8.9 yards average depth of completion, 419 yards allowed, 0 touchdowns and 1 interception.
