While the NFL collectively batted .143 in extensions for franchise-tagged players (2-for-14) this year, the one player to receive the transition tag this year has a bit more time.
The Cardinals have until July 22 to extend Kenyan Drake, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com notes the sides are not believed to be close on terms. This continues the current trend on the extension front (Twitter link). Drake is not too concerned about an extension at the moment, tweeting that one will come in “due time.”
Cards GM Steve Keim said in April he had begun negotiating with Drake, who signed his transition tender days after the Cardinals applied it. Should the 26-year-old back not agree to an extension by next week, he will be tied to his $8.483MM salary this season.
Despite rostering David Johnson at the time, the Cardinals traded for Drake and saw the ex-Dolphins contributor produce immediately. Drake totaled 814 scrimmage yards in just eight Cards games. That number is not too far off Drake’s 2018 Dolphins season, when he amassed 1,012 scrimmage yards in 16 games while splitting work with Frank Gore. Drake averaged 5.2 yards per carry with the Cards last season, after gaining just 3.7 per tote in six Dolphins tilts.
He better cash in before they figure out that he’s just another guy..
If you can average 5.2 yards behind that terrible Cardinal OL your probably more than just another guy.
Chase Edmonds averaged 5.1, is a better receiver, and is a hell of a lot cheaper.
lol very true . he’s not a bad back but he’s not a workhorse back
Drake’s an enigma to me. He probably can’t handle a full workload, but he’s averaged greater than 4 ypc behind some atrocious offensive lines and doesn’t have much “tread on the tires.” I believe a nice 3-year contract at about $7 million/year would be appropriate
I think you meant he doesn’t have too much wear & tear and plenty of tread still left on his tires. Which is true. The Dolphins really screwed the pooch in giving him away for a 6th rounder just to turn around and send a 5th rounder to SF for a guy the 49ers signed as an UDFA.
Agreed. They sold him at his lowest point and completely botched a valuable asset. Sorry for my dumba$$ figure of speech
Roll Tide!