Robert Nkemdiche was the first round pick of the Arizona Cardinals when Bruce Arians was the head coach. Could they reunite with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Back in 2016 when current Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, he drafted defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche. Today, that same defensive tackle was cut by the Cardinals; could Arians reunite with another former player of his?
Just about a month ago, Nkemdiche was pulled over and arrested after a powdery white substance was found in his vehicle. As the Cardinals reported for camp, he decided to show up overweight as well, and that was the last straw for Kliff Kingsbury and the rest of the Arizona organization.
It was not long ago when Nkemdiche was highly recruited as the number one overall recruit out of high school. Now the same player is looking for another team and could potentially be facing an exit from the NFL after just three seasons.
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Throughout those three years of his career, Ndemdiche has started just six games, all of which came in 2018. In that span he has tallied just four and a half sacks, 26 solo tackles, and ten tackles for loss.
The Buccaneers remain a clear fit for Nkemdiche for more than one reason. The connection to Arians remains, but also the lack of depth along the defensive front would certainly point to an addition or two to the group in Tampa Bay.
With only Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh as viable starters in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 defensive scheme, Nkemdiche would provide another body and a potential starter for the Buccaneers. You can absolutely count on Arians and Bowles to get him into shape as well, and maybe his release from the Cardinals will serve as a wake up call.
Camp is underway and the Buccaneers remain weak along their defensive front. Should Arians have trust in a player he formerly trusted, Nkemdiche could be a potential fit in Tampa Bay. As Nkemdiche works his way through waivers, then potentially the open market, it is only a matter of time before we see if the Bucs bite.