Already, the changes from the 2020 offseason to a sense of normalcy in 2021 has had an impact on the Cardinals' roster.
After last offseason was wiped out, there had been no chance for any tryout players to show they were worth a spot. But with a return to rookie minicamp this weekend, the Cards saw enough out of veteran cornerback Tae Hayes, who was in on a tryout basis, to sign him on Monday.
In addition to signing Hayes, the Cards released safety Chris Miller and wide receiver Darece Roberson. That puts the roster at 88 of a maximum of 90 -- not including Austrian tight end Bernhard Seikovits, for whom the Cardinals get a roster exemption.
Hayes, 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds, was undrafted in 2019. He has spent time with the Jaguars, Dolphins and Vikings, having appeared in six games in his career.
The Cardinals continue to work with their depth at cornerback. They did draft Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan, and added undrafted rookie Lorenzo Burns. Malcolm Butler is expected to be the No. 1 cornerback, and Byron Murphy will start either on the outside or, preferably, in the slot. Veteran Robert Alford is trying to find his way on the field after two lost seasons to injury. The Cards also have Jace Whittaker and Picasso Nelson on the roster.
