Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake focusing on improving, not free agency

Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake remained with the club for the 2020 season via the transition tag and then went on to enjoy his most productive NFL campaign. The 27-year-old posted career bests with 955 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns at an ideal time, as he's set to test free agency when the new league year opens next month. 

During a Tuesday appearance on NFL Network, Drake explained that he's taking the entire process one day and one step at a time. 

"There are gonna be several different circumstances that I guess I'll come together with my team to kind of deliberate with exactly who we feel will be the best fit. But right now, I feel like anything is up in the air," he said, according to Kevin Patra of the league's official website. "I would just appreciate a team coming in and allowing me to continue playing my game, help the team win games, be a versatile playmaker out the backfield. I didn't get to 1,000 rushing this year as a goal of mine and I'm pretty sure the O-line and everybody else who was trying to get me there. But three straight years with 1,000 yards rushing and receiving, so just trying to continue to get better year-in and year-out." 

Fellow running back Chase Edmonds averaged 4.6 yards per carry and tallied 53 receptions in the Arizona passing attack last season. As noted by Spotrac, Edmonds is set to return to the Cardinals at a team-friendly price for 2021, which means Arizona may view Drake as surplus to requirements. 

"I know my team specifically, they're doing their job diligently working in that degree to put me in the best position from that standpoint," Drake said about possibly re-signing with Arizona. "(Working out) is my main focus right now. Once we get to that bridge, we'll cross it. It hasn't really been too much dialogue right now. I know the league and the teams are trying to figure out the cap room, that type of situation. So like I said, once we cross that bridge, we'll get there. But as of right now, I'm just kind of focusing on making sure I put my best foot forward in this offseason, get to that 1,000 yards." 

Financial losses endured by clubs during the season held amid the COVID-19 pandemic will likely lead to a decreased salary cap for 2021. Like all teams, the Cardinals are currently determining what players and positions are worthwhile investments this winter and spring. For what it's worth, Pro Football Focus predicts Drake will remain with the Cardinals on a new three-year agreement.