The Sports Xchange

TEMPE, Ariz. — At the end of spring practices, the Arizona Cardinals appeared to have their deepest roster in years, perhaps even since moving to this state in 1988.

They are deep enough in some spots that general manager Steve Keim said in a radio interview that he could end up trying to trade players at the end of training camp, rather than cutting them.

“For the first time we have a certain amount of depth here where we’re either going to have the ability to trade a player, or two, or four or five at certain positions that can not only make other NFL rosters, but could potentially start for some teams,” Keim said. “So I have to be active and make sure that I address that situation so we’re not just releasing players and allowing teams to pick them up.”

Making those trades is easier said than done.

It’s questionable how much another team would give up to obtain a player who is going to be released anyway. And injuries could also deplete a perceived position of strength quickly.

But Keim’s overall point, that the Cardinals have depth at certain positions, is valid. While they have only one Pro Bowl-caliber defensive lineman, end Calais Campbell, they have several other solid players, including Frostee Rucker, Cory Redding, Corey Peters and Matt Shaughnessy.

They hoping to receive contributions from young players such as Ed Stinson, Alameda Ta’amu and Rodney Gunter.

The Cardinals also have four safeties with starting experience: Rashad Johnson, Tyrann Mathieu, Tony Jefferson and Chris Clemons. That doesn’t count Deone Bucannon, last year’s first-round pick who is expected to start.

To a lesser extent, there is depth on the offensive line, too. Four of the starting five jobs are likely set with Jared Veldheer and Bobby Massie at tackles and Mike Iupati and Jonathan Cooper at guards. A.Q. Shipley and Ted Larsen are competing at center.

D.J. Humphries, the Cardinals’ first-round pick in April, could be the swing tackle, and Earl Watford looked good this spring at guard and tackle.