Josh

Shaw

Shaw served a one-year suspension for betting on NFL games. He spent 2019 on IR and hasn’t appeared in a game in three seasons. Shaw’s contract with the Cardinals expired, making him a free agent. The 29-year-old will look to resurface with another team now that he’s eligible.

Shaw will be suspended for the rest of this year and all of next season after placing bets on multiple NFL games including one involving his own team at a Las Vegas sportsbook. He can apply for reinstatement in February of 2021. Three months shy of his 28th birthday, the injury-prone backup’s career is hanging by a thread.

Stupefyingly, Shaw was caught betting on NFL games this season. Shaw is currently on injured reserve. A press release revealed the league uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way. There also wasn’t any evidence that suggested any teammates, coaches or other players were aware of the betting activity. Shaw can petition for reinstatement on or after February 15, 2021.

Shaw injured his shoulder in the preseason, and he won’t be able to suit up for the Cardinals in 2019 since he was placed on IR before Week 1. Shaw was expected to play special teams in Arizona.

Shaw totaled 12 tackles as a special teams-gunner with the Chiefs and Buccaneers last season. He adds depth to a secondary that currently has Robert Alford, Brandon Williams, and David Amerson helping opposite Patrick Peterson.

Shaw (6'1/201) transferred from Florida to USC in 2012, seeing action at both corner and safety. Plagued by injuries and off-field issues, he only made 24 starts, tallying 8.5 career tackles for loss and six INTs. Shaw blazed 4.44 at the Combine with a 37 1/2-inch vertical and highly explosive 10-foot-10 broad jump. A versatile, gifted free safety prospect, Shaw could end up as a steal if he keeps his head on straight. He has obvious playmaking ability and can cover man to man.

Capable of playing both corner and safety, Shaw is currently slotted in as the Bengals’ fifth corner, but it appears the team expects his biggest rookie impact to come on special teams. Shaw is 6-foot-1, 201 pounds with 4.44 wheels. His eventual home could/should be free safety.