GLENDALE – A rookie who stood out during the Arizona Cardinals training camp and NFL preseason has made the final roster, as safety Kitan Crawford has earned his spot.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Cardinals safety Crawford (36) catches an interception in the end zone against Chiefs wide receiver Mac Dalena (84) during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
One of the biggest days in the NFL is when the cuts are made to narrow it down to a 53-man roster. Luckily for Crawford, his name was not called, and he made the final roster. Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker will obviously be the starting safeties for this Cardinals team, although they now have a great depth piece in Kitan Crawford.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona safety Crawford (36) intercepts a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mac Dalena (84) during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kitan Crawford has played at a high level in various moments throughout training camp and the preseason for the Cardinals, including a key interception against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first week of the preseason. Crawford also had seven total tackles, including four solo tackles, and performed well in week two of the preseason against the Denver Broncos. Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon also praised Kitan Crawford as he mentioned, “He plays how you want to play. He’s physical, he’s violent, he can run.” (Credit: Theo Mackie | AZ Central Sports)
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) tackles Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jimmy Holiday (82) during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kitan Crawford made the initial 53 so I’m happy
— HarriJohnson (@outofstatecards) August 26, 2025
One thing about the cardinals is they’re ALWAYS Gonna find a Gem at safety
Kitan Crawford in the 7th was a steal pic.twitter.com/3Jt1xPwLjJ
— Maserati Marv 🏎️💨 (@MHJera_) August 10, 2025
It wasn’t just members of the Cardinals staff who were turning their heads. Arizona fans were also noticing the great play of Crawford and recognized that his talents and focused play should be rewarded with a roster spot. The NFL is full of ups and downs, including everything from injuries to inconsistencies, and having strong depth pieces like Crawford will only be beneficial to the Cardinals in the long run.
Walter Nolen’s injury adds uncertainty for Arizona Cardinals
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
