Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) takes the field before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
GLENDALE – The absence of Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson will have a massive effect on the team ahead of Week 15 vs. the Houston Texans. Thompson has been one of the few players to start in every game this season for the franchise. Fellow safety Budda Baker and him have been the veteran presence needed for this young Cardinals defense.
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The duo have played together for seven years and understand one another without uttering a word. Baker commented that Week 15 will feel different not having Thompson on the field, but he made it clear that the communication with his replacement will need to be “on 100.”
The replacement is likely to be seventh-round pick Kitan Crawford, who made his first ever start last week. Crawford has been used a special team player, with limited reps on defense. However, with Thompson’s injury, head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Crawford will be ready for the challenge to start.
Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44), Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36), and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) look on during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Gannon on Crawford’s development in rookie season:
“The first thing I look at in the safety position is the mental, and since he’s been here, (Kitan) has done a really good job on increasing that part of his game,” Gannon said. “The next level that I think I’ve seen him start to get to is anticipating what is happening and where you got to put your body in what type of positions to make plays.”
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) rushes the ball against Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Crawford is a high-energy and hard-hitter that has impressed coaches every week since preseason. The former Nevada Wolfpack safety has made a name for himself on special teams, and even in the limited snaps in the secondary. In only 99 defensive snaps, Crawford has a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 81.6, which would put hm in the top 10 if he had more snaps to qualify.
Week 15 will be the first game in his NFL career where he’ll get a significant amount of reps at safety. The Cardinals 2025 class already has gems like Walter Nolen, Will Johnson and Denzel Burke. Crawford will aim to join that list with a memorable start on Sunday.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
