Arizona Cardinals to move Andre Ellington from RB to WR

The Arizona Cardinals are shuffling the deck in regard to Andre Ellington, coach Bruce Arians said Wednesday.

Arians told reporters that Ellington will be a wide receiver this season as opposed to a running back.

Signed to a one-year deal earlier this month, Ellington has proven to be better in the passing game during his four seasons in Arizona and struggled in his lone campaign as the team's featured back. The 5-foot-9, 199-pound Ellington saw his carries dwindle from 201 in 2014 to a total of 79 over the last two seasons, including 34 for just 96 yards in 2016.

Running back David Johnson has taken over the every-down role for the Cardinals, who look to utilize the shifty Ellington as a wideout. The 28-year-old Ellington has reeled in 112 receptions for 999 yards and three touchdowns in four seasons.

Ellington will join a wide receiver group that features veteran Larry Fitzgerald, who led the team last season in catches (107) and receiving yards (1,023) while tying J.J. Nelson with six receiving touchdowns.

Speaking of wide receivers, Arizona added depth by signing free agent Harvey Binford to a deal on Wednesday.

The team did not divulge terms of the deal for Binford, who worked out at the NFL Pro Player Combine held at the Cardinals' training camp last week in Tempe, Ariz.

Binford spent last season's training camp with Green Bay before being released by the Packers on the team's final roster cut. Binford also played for the Arena Football League's Philadelphia Soul in 2015-16.