Could Robert Alford return to Cardinals after release?

The Cardinals could look to bring Alford back on a team-friendly deal for the 2021 season. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Could CB Robert Alford return to Cardinals after release?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/10/21

As Josh Alper noted for Pro Football Talk, the Arizona Cardinals released veteran cornerback Robert Alford on Wednesday. That, however, may only be the beginning of his latest NFL saga.

John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM tweeted that he "would not be surprised" if the Cardinals look to bring Alford back on a team-friendly deal for the 2021 season:

Cornerback Robert Alford was cut by the Cardinals today but I would not be surprised if he is brought back. Good player who had some bad luck but will have a chance to rebound.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) March 10, 2021

Alford agreed to a three-year, $22.5 million contract with the Cardinals in February 2019 but never played a single meaningful down with the club. He suffered a broken leg shortly before the 2019 season and then went down to a torn pectoral muscle last August.

Wednesday's transaction saves the Cardinals $7.5 million in salary-cap space, per Arizona Sports.

Alford is a 32-year-old with far more questions than answers about his health and remaining skills hovering over his status at a time when the NFL's salary cap will drop by $15.7 million from last year's value. Giving the Cardinals a discount may be what's best for his football future, assuming Arizona will welcome him back.

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