Alford played above expectations for the Cardinals in 2021 -- out of nowhere after two years without playing an NFL game -- and wouldn't be a bad re-signing. Arizona has only added Jeff Gladney at corner this offseason and the Cardinals should welcome all competition for spots that Byron Murphy isn't playing. 

The team saved $7.5 million against the 2021 salary cap by releasing Alford a couple days ago. But he'll return to Arizona in 2021 after missing the past two seasons with various injuries. Alford, 32, is a borderline starting option in a thin Arizona secondary. 

The move saves $7.5 million against Arizona's 2021 salary cap and only comes with $1.5 million in dead money. The move also leaves the Cardinals with a brutal cornerback depth chart. Patrick Peterson is reportedly unlikely to re-sign after an up-and-down campaign, and Arizona asks their corners to play more man coverage than most. Expect the team to address the position aggressively in free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft. Alford, 32, has missed each of the last two seasons with a broken leg and torn pec.

Alford missed all of last season with a broken leg, so this definitely puts him behind the eight ball regarding his football future. Behind Patrick Peterson, the Cardinals don't have a whole lot at corner. It'll be some combination of Byron Murphy, Kevin Peterson, Jalen Davis, and Chris Jones behind Patrick Peterson. Maybe even first-rounder Isaiah Simmons will get some reps at slot corner.