Kalen King Motors Toward Role On Cardinals’ Defense

Cornerback Kalen King is earning an expanded defensive role with the Arizona Cardinals following injuries in the secondary. Originally signed from the Carolina Panthers practice squad late last season, King was promoted to the active roster and logged 62 defensive snaps over the past two games. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis praised King's rapid development, calling him one of the team's most improved players since the spring.

King has provided defensive versatility, being deployed in the slot opposite safety Budda Baker and utilized on blitzes, including batting down a Matthew Stafford pass against the Los Angeles Rams. A former seventh-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2024, King aims to maintain his gritty mindset ahead of the Cardinals' upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.