NFL
By: Brock Vierra
Yes, there were some rumors that Kyler Murray would be looking for a new home in 2024 but after putting together a string of top performances, the Arizona Cardinals have their QB for the foreseeable future. Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler has not missed a beat since coming back from injury. In four games, Murray has averaged 242.5 yards per game while scoring six touchdowns. It’s time to re-enforce their QB1.
Jonathan Gannon has done a fantastic job in year one. The Arizona Cardinals are ahead of schedule in terms of scheme implementation and player development. The front office and GM Monti Ossenfort have shed older vets like Zach Ertz and DeAndre Hopkins from the roster while accumulating draft picks. Here are the things that the Cardinals need to prioritize as they enter 2024.
The Arizona Cardinals need to continue to shed contracts
The Cardinals currently have over 71 million dollars in cap space. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t create more. Kyler Murray’s extension still carries a 51.8 million dollar cap hit and there are a lot of holes in the roster. There are multiple post-June 1st cuts that would save the Cardinals some cap.
Viable options are D.J. Humphries who’d save 9.07 million, James Connor who’d save 2.49 million, Jalen Thompson who’d save 4.45 million and Will Hernandez who’d save 2.8 million. I’m not saying cut all of them but those are the best options.
There will be a bunch of veteran free agents who would be able to inject a ton of experience into a youthful roster that needs it. Having money helps with that.
The Cardinals need to consider these free-agent moves
The first would be asking yourselves how much do you value Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Brown has had a down year but he also has had to deal with three different starting quarterbacks. He has questionable hands and can sometimes disappear but his game-changing speed and veteran presence will land him a contract if the Cards let him go. I’d suggest a one-year prove-it deal.
I’d like to see another veteran addition to the receiver room. Van Jefferson, Jalen Guyton, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Richie James make my shortlist.
I’d also like some offensive line depth. Robert Hunt, Donovan Smith (move to guard), Matt Feiler, and Hal Vaitai make the list in my opinion.
The Cardinals also need to acquire a pass rusher. Za’Darius Smith and/ or Danielle Hunter would be nice. Leonard Floyd or a return for Calais Campbell would be good for depth and they should be available for cheap.
The Cardinals should not approach free agency like a teenager at the mall with a credit card. One splash signing and supplemental pieces should be the strategy. The Cardinals still need to rebuild through the draft.
The Cardinals need to nail their two first-round picks
The Cardinals currently possess two first-round picks via the Texans trading up for Will Anderson Jr in 2023. The biggest holes that need to be addressed are WR and DB. Pass rushers should also be a priority as well.
For the receiver position, there are so many top talents that would fit for the Cardinals. Marvin Harrison Jr from Ohio State tops the list. Malik Nabers from LSU, Rome Odunze from Washington, AD Mitchell and Xavier Worthy from Texas, and Keon Coleman from Florida State round out my first-round graded pass catchers.
The DB room is a bit different but still full of talent. Cooper Dejean from Iowa is my number one due to his play at the DB position but also his versatility and potential to be an All-Pro DB and returner. Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, Clemson’s Nate Wiggins, and Penn State’s Kalen King are the first-round corners that I believe will be instant contributors to the Cardinals.
The pass rusher list included Alabama’s Dallas Turner, Florida State’s Jared Verse, UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, Penn State’s Chop Robinson, Washington’s Bralen Trice, and Ohio State’s J.T. Tuimoloau.
Arizona needs to make a plan fast because the offseason is right around the corner and they have the potential to make a playoff push in year two. We already see the outline being built and the foundation for success is evident. Surround your stars with playmakers and watch them excel.
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