One of the Arizona Cardinals’ six waiver claim additions was former Detroit Lions cornerback Starling Thomas.
What is there to know about him?
Buy Cardinals TicketsHe is an undrafted rookie who signed with the Lions out of UAB.
He is listed at 5-foot-10 and 194 pounds.
Thomas was a two-time All-Conference USA selection after appearing in 53 games and collecting 108 tackles, 29 pass breakups, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He also returned 23 punts for 167 yards (7.3 avg.) and 12 kickoffs for 224 yards (18.7 avg.) during his time with the Blazers. As a senior in 2022, Thomas was a first-team All-Conference USA selection after starting all 13 games and leading the team with 15 pass breakups.
In his time with the Lions in the offseason and preseason, Lions Wire managing editor thought he might make Detroit’s final roster.
As an actual CB in coverage/run D, Thomas was not better than Steven Gilmore or Khalil Dorsey or Chase Lucas, but it was close enough that I (among many) expected the special teams to make the difference
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) August 29, 2023
He stood out on special teams. In coverage, he had a habit of drawing illegal contact and defensive holding penalties.
He isn’t going to be expected to play on defense, it would appear. However, he should give the Cardinals extra options on special teams, even in the return game.
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