The Arizona Cardinals have added another veteran to their receiving corps. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the team has agreed to a one-deal with former Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay.
Former Bills’ tight end Charles Clay is signing a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million that includes a $350,000 signing bonus with the Arizona Cardinals, per source. Clay was heading into the last year of a 5-year $38 million deal signed in 2015.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2019
Clay was waived by Buffalo last week as the team looked to create additional salary cap space heading into next month's free agency period.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder was a reliable target during his first three campaigns with the Bills, catching 51 passes for 528 yards in 2015, 57 passes for 552 yards in 2016, and 49 passes for 558 yards in 2017. But Clay was marginalized a season ago, in part due to his team’s typically unsteady quarterback play, finishing 2018 with just 21 catches for 184 yards, failing to score a touchdown for the first time in his career.
Clay entered the league in 2011 after four standout seasons at the University of Tulsa, where he lined up as a running back, tight end, and wide receiver. The Miami Dolphins took him in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft, converting him to H-back upon his arrival. Though never quite worthy of Pro Bowl consideration in Miami, Clay was nevertheless a valuable part of the team’s passing and rushing attacks. He had 69 catches, 759 receiving yards, and six touchdowns in 2013 while also carrying the ball on seven occasions – all career-high numbers.
At 30, Clay's days as an every-down player are probably numbered. But rookie Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury figures to employ a modern, multifaceted offensive attack, and playmakers like Clay who are comfortable lining up all over the field should help ease Arizona's transition to a new system while serving as a mentor of sorts to younger players.
