Cards add defensive depth, sign DB Shaw

The Cardinals announced Monday they have signed defensive back Josh Shaw to a one-year contract, adding some potential depth to their secondary.

Shaw, who turns 27 later this month, was a fourth-round pick by the Bengals in 2015 out of USC.

He spent three seasons with Cincinnati, appearing in 47 games with 14 starts and playing both safety and cornerback. Last season, he played in four games for the Chiefs and four games for the Buccaneers.

Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was the Bengals' defensive backs coach during Shaw's rookie season in Cincinnati.

He has 106 career tackles with an interception, seven passes defensed and a fumble recovery in addition to 14 tackles on special teams.

Shaw, who is 6-foot, 200 pounds, projects as a backup in Arizona. The Cardinals’ starters are set at cornerback (Patrick Peterson and Robert Alford) and at safety (Budda Baker and D.J. Swearinger). Shaw will compete for a job with corners David Amerson, Deatrick Nichols, Chris Jones, Jonathan Moxey and Brandon Williams and safeties Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens.

Shaw initially committed to Florida before transferring to USC, where he landed in some hot water as a senior cornerback. It involved jumping off of a third-story Los Angeles balcony after getting involved in an argument with his girlfriend. Shaw sprained both of his ankles and lied to coaches about it, concocting a story about saving his nephew from drowning in a pool.

He was suspended from the football team but ultimately reinstated.

“I made up a story about this fall that was untrue. I was wrong not to tell the truth,” Shaw said at the time in a statement released through his attorney.

Before being drafted, Shaw spoke openly about the incident and told reporters, “I take full responsibility for what happened. I would never embarrass my family, myself or any organization ever again.”