Clemons adds depth to Arizona's secondary and a familiarity with the Cardinals' defensive scheme. One reason the 29-year-old was signed was as an insurance policy in case surgery on safety Tyrann Mathieu’s left thumb doesn't go as planned. Another reason was because Clemons played for Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles from 2009-11.
"Chris is a big, active safety Todd has had in the past," Arians said. "He is aware of our system and we'll plug him in and see what we can get out of him in two walkthrough days and see if he can play Thursday night." Clemons hasn't played since last season, his last in Miami. During his first five years, all with the Dolphins, Clemons played in 72 career games -- 48 of them starts -- he had 256 tackles, 1.5 sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He started his final 32 games in Miami, recording 185 tackles -- 90 in 2013 and 95 in 2012 -- and three interceptions.
He was cut by the Houston Texans on Aug. 31, five months after he signed a two-year contract worth $2.7 million with $450,000 guaranteed. The Cardinals have allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw for 264 yards or more the last two games after holding them to less than 200 in five of their previous six games.