Kenyan Drake is in Atlanta right now, hunkered down near family during this COVID-19 time, training as much as he can. He took part in the virtual team meetings this week, with playbook installation every day.
As for his contract situation, the running back -- who hadn't spoken yet about getting the transition tag and subsequently signing the one-year tender offer for $8.4 million -- said on SiriusXM NFL Radio Friday he understood why the Cardinals did not let him reach the free-agent market unattached.
"With them tagging me, it wasn't really a slap in the face or anything," Drake said. "They wanted to get a gauge on my market and everything happened how it did. With me signing the tag, it put me in a pretty decent position from a financial standpoint, especially amongst my fellow running backs. I'm fortunate they saw in me what I see in myself, and hopefully we can continue to work on a long-term deal in the future."
Drake will be on the top of the depth chart for the Cardinals, followed by Chase Edmonds, D.J. Foster and seventh-round draft pick Eno Benjamin. He said he's been following all the team's offseason moves and, like many, is encouraged by them.
"A lot of great moves were made to put people in position and pieces to make sure everything was shored up," Drake said. "Moving forward, I'm excited about the direction we are going. I'm ready to see everyone in Arizona and get back on the field and get back to work."
Drake said he's been fortunate, because his normal gym in Atlanta is also part of a physical therapy practice, allowing the gym to remain open. He's also even started to do some boxing to help himself train -- emphasizing he has been taking all the necessary steps at all times to stay safe with the coronavirus.
He reiterated that he ended up in a good situation with the Cardinals when he showed up in 2019.
"Everyone around the organization was top notch, they really welcomed me with open arms and made me feel comfortable to be there," Drake said. "I'm still trying to learn this playbook and get ready for the season."
