Andy Isabella came to the Cardinals in 2019 with plenty of expectations. The 2019 second-rounder has yet to live up to his potential, though, which has led to his name being involved in plenty of trade speculation.
Arizona was shopping the 25-year-old speedster in the run-up to free agency, after his first three seasons in the league resulted in just 31 catches and three touchdowns. Given that they granted Isabella permission to seek a new destination, it seemed inevitable that a swap could be coming, but nothing materialized.
Immediately after the draft – during which the Cardinals acquired Marquise Brown – the UMass alum was again available to outside teams. However, Isabella has impressed the team during training camp and preseason, and he appears to have increased his chances of finishing his rookie contract in the desert. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweets that he has “had as good a camp as just about anyone,” which should strengthen his grip on a roster spot. Aside from Brown, the Cardinals also have DeAndre Hopkins, Rondale Moore and A.J. Green ahead of Isabella on the depth chart, but he could be in line for a career-year in 2022.
Here are some other WR notes from around the NFC:
- The Cowboys took a flier on the USFL’s leading receiver, KaVontae Turpin, late last month. After the TCU alum enjoyed a two-touchdown preseason contest against the Chargers in the return game, HC Mike McCarthy was asked about whether or not Turpin would handle the team’s kick return duties come Week 1. “I think there is a great chance he will be returning kicks against Tampa Bay,” he responded (Twitter link via Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram) – a rather ringing endorsement of the five-foot-nine, 153-pounder looking to turn his spring success into a full-time NFL role.
- Aaron Rodgers was publicly critical of the young receivers the Packers are incorporating into their offense last week, but one of them has established a noteworthy rapport with the reigning MVP. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer notes that Romeo Doubs has “really” earned Rodgers’ trust this summer, something which could pay dividends for Green Bay’s offense. The Nevada product put up back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns to finish his college career, and has seen first-team reps in training camp. He could be in line for a productive rookie season in a WR corps featuring plenty of unknowns.
- 49ers wideout Malik Turner received a fine of $5,750 for unsportsmanlike conduct during the team’s preseason win over the Vikings, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweets. The 26-year-old split his first four seasons evenly between the Seahawks and Cowboys, playing primarily on special teams. He is likely to have a similar role in San Francisco, though the league’s discipline won’t help his impressions with the team in the build-up to the season.
Adam, please clarify the intention of your very last sentence. It’s a little confusing.
Romeo Doubs looks like the real deal, should be a breakout candidate for the Pack this upcoming season…
Also, the fact he has earned Rodgers trust only further adds to Doubs stock as a potential rookie breakout candidate.
You couldn’t watch a Packers preseason game without Doubs making you notice him. The first two games I watched, almost immediately I was like who is that guy, and why is he seemingly always open!! lol
What’s weird about Doubs is he was kinda unknown/unhyped before camp, then getting major talk since..until today I saw a headline claiming he’ll basically be a dud. My only complaint on him was the ball he let the SF defender take away for an INT the first game.
Well, the size is the knock for him. Doubs has plenty of ability, but the question is whether he will be talented enough on his own to head up the Packers’ receiving corps. I wouldn’t say so myself, but if another receiver (say, Lazard, who has the opposite skillset) steps up, Doubs will really make an impact receiving for Green Bay. Doubs and and another high volume target may not equal the production lost with Adams’ departure, but it would certainly lessen the sting in Rodgers’ twilight years.
I still believe that Isabella would be available for a decent price. There simply don’t seem to be enough snaps for him right now, especially in his role as a burner and/or slot receiver. Brown may fill either role as a higher snap player, especially upon Hopkins’ return to the number one role. Moore has that skillset behind Brown. Green is certainly going to see the field, and Moore is, again, ahead of Isabella on the depth chart. Isabella at his best will likely receive 5th string snaps after Hopkins’ return, and Hopkins is far too expensive to be cut or traded, even if his production flattens. Isabella’s best bet is to be released or traded to a team with a better role for him (Tennessee?).