Miami Hurricanes' running backs guru Matt Merritt bolts for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, aiming to revitalize their ground game.
As there were changes made to the roster, the Miami Hurricanes will have a couple of new faces on the coaching staff. It was previously reported that tight ends coach Cody Woodiel was moving to the SEC and joining the Ole Miss Rebels for the same gig, plus being named co-offensive coordinator.
Another vacancy has emerged as it was reported on Thursday that running backs coach Matt Merritt has accepted a job in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, taking the same responsibilities. He led the Hurricanes to back-to-back 2,000-plus rushing yard seasons.
The Cardinals finished the regular season with the second-fewest rushing yards in the league, 1,583 total. Fifth-year veteran Michael Carter led by rushing 92 times for 333 yards, scoring a touchdown, in 13 games, including five starts. The run game was the greatest weakness offensively for the Cardinals. They finished fifth in total passing yards, 4,354, despite quarterback Kyler Murray missing 12 games.
The Hurricanes have a strong running back core: Mark Fletcher Jr., CharMar Brown, Girard Pringle Jr., and Jordan Lyle. They rushed 435 times for 2,149 yards, scoring 24 touchdowns. The program retained each of them for next season.
The Cardinals will have roughly $34 million in cap space for the offseason, plus the third pick in the upcoming draft. They're projected to select an offensive lineman, whether that's Utah Utes' Spencer Fano or Hurricanes' Francis Mauigoa.
The organization will have decisions to make regarding running backs Corey Kiner, Trey Benson, and James Conner. The Cardinals could cut each of them to make extra room for changes. Conner has a potential out this offseason, with a $2.25 million dead cap. He and Benson missed the majority of the season due to injuries.
There are no running back Pro Bowlers in the upcoming free agency class.
Conner is a two-time Pro Bowler, both with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018 and 2021. He's proven to be productive before this season, riddled with injuries. Merritt and the Cardinals will likely take the gamble of a bounce-back season from Conner.
Benson has two years left on his rookie contract. He has tremendous potential, especially after two great seasons with the Florida State Seminoles. Benson rushed 310 times for 1,896 yards, scoring 23 touchdowns in 26 total games.
Merritt will look to rebuild the Cardinals' run game; meanwhile, the Hurricanes have an attractive running back room that will catch the eye of any candidate.
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