Cardinals Release Veteran WR Michael Crabtree

Michael Crabtree only just latched on with the Arizona Cardinals, but it seems his tenure in Glendale will be short-lived.

According to reports, Crabtree was released by the Cards on Monday, following their Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Crabtree was expected to bring a veteran presence to a young offense led by rookie quarterback Kyler Murray, but the Cardinals clearly did not see enough of a value to keep him around much longer. In two games, Crabtree hauled in four receptions on five targets, playing limited snaps.

Arizona's Aug. 21 deal with Crabtree included a $500,000 signing bonus and his and his $1.75 million salary became guaranteed after the receiver made the Week 1 roster.

While legend Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk are the leaders of the Cardinals receiving corps, the emergence of Damiere Byrd and KeeSean Johnson made Crabtree expendable.

Despite his release, Crabtree has a history of above average production in the NFL. The vet had a 1,000-yard season as recently as 2016 with the Raiders, and last year with Baltimore, he had 54 receptions for 603 yards and three touchdowns.