Cardinals' RB4 Vote: Carter, Dallas or Knight?

by Walter Mitchell

photo: azcardinals.com

Last night during the Cardinals' 20-10 pre-season win over the Raiders, RBs Michael Carter, DeeJay Dallas and Bam Knight were making their cases for making the 53-Man roster. 

Here was Michael Carter's nifty 38-yard escape run:

https://x.com/cardsfanjoanna/status/1959449242801709349

Here is a sample of DeeJay Dallas' leadership on special teams:

https://x.com/AZCardinals/status/1956889522110644496

Here was Bam Knight's "Goodnight" 67-yard house call TD:

https://x.com/NFL/status/1959469166181974098

Which RB do you vote for? Here's a poll I just posted on X. Please go to X and cast your vote.

Walter B J Mitchell
@WBJMItch
Promote
Cardinals RB4 Vote: the savvy, quick-footed veteran, the best ST player or the most explosive?
  • Michael Carter
    75%
  • DeeJay Dallas
    25%
  • Bam Knight
    0%
  • No RB4 needed
    0%
4 votes23 hours left

My vote?

The Cardinals' coaches appear to have the most confidence in Michael Carter --- and with good reason --- every time he gets his chance to make a positive impression ---> he does. Of the three, he is the most versatile, given his prowess as a receiver. The question is --- does he offer enough value on special teams do be activated on game days?

DeeJay Dallas would be activated each week for special teams, as he was last season. He's a strong contributor across the board, as a kickoff returner and as an aggressive player on punt and kickoff coverages. His highlight last season, of course, was running back the very 1st kickoff return TD under the NFL's new kickoff format.

Bam Knight, as he showcased last night, is a turbo charged runner who can break off chunk yard runs given just a small crease of daylight. There is no reason why he couldn't be a positive force on special teams, perhaps similar to what DeeJay Dallas offers. Another factor that works in his favor is that the Cardinals would have him under control for the next 2-3 years, whereas there's a possibility that neither Michael Carter nor DeeJay Dallas will be on next year's team.

I think the most deserving is Michael Carter. 

Because of DeeJay Dallas' contract, I think he would very likely pass through waivers. Although, if anyone makes a claim it could be Pete Carroll given that DeeJay earned a Pro Bowl nod while playing for Pete in Seattle. If no claim is made, perhaps Pete will try to coax DeeJay to sign with the Raiders' practice squad.

Bam Knight put a play on tape that could easily capture the imagination of some GMs and HCs around the NFL. It would be a fantastic scenario for the Cardinals if they could keep both Carter and Knight on the roster and practice squad respectively. And perhaps an added bonus if they can hold on to all three.

Red Rain Podcast 191:

Kyle, since61 (Sam) and I will be taping the show tomorrow morning. We want to discuss the highlights of the Cardinals win and try as best as we can to predict the Cardinals 53-Man roster. If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, please post them here and we will respond to your post during the podcast. We would like to make this as interactive with you as possible. Your voices matter.





Comments

  1. Flash87August 24, 2025 at 7:38 AM

    At this point if Conner is RB#1 and Bemson is RB#2 then RB# 3 could be Demercado Carter and Knight . I'm not sure if any one of the tree gets signed to practice squad they won't get poached. I'm ok with letting go DJ Dallas go.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kualla83August 24, 2025 at 10:02 AM

    Special teams are important, especially punt and kickoff coverages as this can pin a team back and really help set up the defense for success. The RB 3 needs to just be a solid RB and an excellent special teamer. I like both Carter and Demercado but I am not keeping them as RB 3 since I dont think either of them are excellent special teamers.

    On your 53 man roster post I mostly agree but I move Hall on and Clark off at CB. Rest of the roster I agree with.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walter MitchellAugust 24, 2025 at 10:27 AM

      The KTC/Hall decision imo is the most difficult. I gave the nod to Kei'Trel because he has the 2nd highest STs grade (behind only Simi Fehoko 90.0) this pre-season at a stellar 80.8 (Hall is at 60.0).

      Delete
    2. Since 61August 24, 2025 at 12:25 PM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    3. Since 61August 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM

      I agree and want them to keep KTC but the injuries to the CBs might give the nod to Hall. KTC is not good on the outside/boundaries. I also think Jeff Rodgers will be an advocate for KTC.

      Delete
  3. Kyle LedbetterAugust 25, 2025 at 7:05 AM

    Michael Carter was my pick. Cool that he's been able to find a home for so long in Arizona

    ReplyDelete

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