The Cardinals’ 5 biggest offseason needs
The Arizona Cardinals enter the offseason with a number of questions, like most NFL teams. They also have a number of needs to address.
What are the most pressing needs the Cardinals have this offseason?
Cornerback
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It is a premium position and the Cardinals simply don't have players. Patrick Peterson, Dre Kirkpatrick, Johnathan Joseph and Kevin Peterson are all scheduled to be free agents. The only cornerbacks they have under contract are Byron Murphy and Robert Alford (who has not played a single snap in two seasons with Arizona), as well as 2020 undrafted rookie Jace Whittaker and Picasso Nelson to futures deals for next season. They need two starters at the position. Murphy made strides and was very good at times but he will be best as a guy sliding inside in the nickel, which mean they need two border corners they can trust.
Wide receiver
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
They have DeAndre Hopkins, but Larry Fitzgerald could retire. If that happens, it would feel irresponsible to simply expect Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella and KeeSean Johnson to make big strides in 2021. The talent is there, but they need a starter who can give reliable production. If Fitzgerald does call it a career, they need another veteran because adding a rookie to that group seems risky.
Running back
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Kliff Kingsbury has said more than once he feels Chase Edmonds is a starting running back. However, Kingsbury also wants at least two backs he can trust to handle the load. Additionally, Edmonds has gotten banged up when given an expanded role in both seasons it happened. He is great in his role as a secondary back who is critical in the passing game. Whether it is bringing Kenyan Drake back, adding another veteran or drafting a stud, the offense has proven to be great when the running game works. They need to lean into that.
Kicker and punter
Michael Chow-Arizona Republic
Zane Gonzalez, Mike Nugent and Andy Lee will all be free agents. Maybe they bring back Gonzalez but it would be hard to trust him with important kicks after his struggles in 2020. No matter what, they need a kicker and need a punter.
Tight end
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Maxx Williams is under contract but has a history of injuries. They added Ian Bunting to a futures deal but the rest of the tight ends on the roster will be free agents. The position is important but not for statistics. They need to add one or two players at the position.
Other positions could be upgraded but aren't as critical
Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports
Could the Cardinals get better on the offensive line? Sure. Every team could. But they seem to have a plan and the players in place. They have Justin Pugh at left guard. Justin Murray appears to be their plan at right guard. Center has Mason Cole and Lamont Gaillard. Right tackle, even if they do not bring Kelvin Beachum back, will have Marcus Gilbert and 2020 third-round pick Josh Jones. They seem solid at inside linebacker with Isaiah Simmons, and it would be a surprise if they moved on from Jordan Hicks. They have Jordan Phillips and many young, promising players on the defensive line. At outside linebacker, they have Chandler Jones and Devon Kennard. Could they move on from Kennard and bring back Haason Reddick, Markus Golden or Dennis Gardeck? Sure, but it isn't necessarily a need. They have clear needs. They have other positions they can address. It will be a fun offseason to watch. Listen to the latest from Cards Wire's Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify. Latest show:
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