The Cardinals have enjoyed a deep and effective collection of defensive backs in recent years. They’ll now have to replace one of them.
Free safety Rashad Johnson has signed a one-year deal with the Titans, per multiple reports. Johnson has announced that he’ll be joining the Titans on Twitter.
A third-round pick in 2009, Johnson became a full-time starter in 2014, starting 16 regular-season games that year and 14 in 2015. In 2013, Johnson obtained widespread attention after losing the tip of his finger during a game.
The Cardinals had hoped to keep Johnson, according to coach Bruce Arians. In an appearance this week on PFT Live, Arians said that the Cardinals wanted to retain both Johnson and Tony Jefferson, a restricted free agent.
Above all, the Cardinals hope to lock up over the long haul defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, a hybrid safety and cornerback who has become one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
Here’s Arians from the league meetings in Boca Raton, talking about all things Cardinals.