In corresponding moves, the Cardinals released CB Lorenzo Burns and RB Khalfani Muhammad
After working out with the Arizona Cardinals yesterday, Ito Smith signs with them on a one-year deal while the team released cornerback Lorenzo Burns and running back Khalfani Muhammad in corresponding moves.
We have signed RB Ito Smith, and released CB Lorenzo Burns and RB Khalfani Muhammad.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 7, 2021
Smith was a fourth-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2018 NFL Draft and played there for three seasons before being waived in April.
He is coming off a 2020 season when he had 343 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Smith’s career stats include 175 carries, 689 rushing yards, 55 receptions, 314 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Before playing in the NFL, the 25-year-old running back had a stellar college football career at Southern Miss with 5,984 scrimmage yards and 49 total touchdowns in four seasons.
Since the Cardinals have been in search for return specialists, I would not be surprised if special teams coach Jeff Rodgers tries to experiment with Smith in that role. If not, he will be battling for a backup running back spot. Considering the Cardinals worked out De’Anthony Thomas yesterday, he remains an option as well to be added at a later date.
Burns was an undrafted free agent signing out of the University of Arizona. He was recently activated from the COVID-19 list.
Muhammad was on the Cardinals’ practice squad last season and was waived in November before inking a futures deal with the team.