The hype of free agency has come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 16th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s chat about the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals
Key acquisitions: G Will Hernandez, CB Jeff Gladney, LB Nick Vigil, TE Stephen Anderson
Re-signed: RB James Conner, TE Zach Ertz, WR A.J. Green, TE Maxx Williams, QB Colt McCoy, LB Dennis Gardeck
Departures: DE Chandler Jones (Raiders), WR Christian Kirk (Jaguars), RB Chase Edmonds (Dolphins), LB Jordan Hicks (Vikings), G Max Garcia (Giants)
Remaining free agents: NT Corey Peters, CB Robert Alford
Analysis: The Cardinals offseason saw a lot of departures and key re-signings, with a couple interesting new guys.
Their big moves were extending James Conner, who had a bounce back 2021 season in his first year in Arizona, and Zach Ertz, who was acquired midseason from Philadelphia and played well. They also recently re-signed A.J. Green, who had an ok season, but will look for more consistency in 2022 and hopefully look more like A.J. Green with another year with Kyler. They also brought back Maxx Williams and backup quarterback Colt McCoy.
The only significant move on the offensive line is the signing of former Giants guard Will Hernandez, a four-year starter at both guard spots. He swaps places with Max Garcia, who started most of last season.
There were some significant losses too, which weren’t really balanced out by any signings. The big one is Chandler Jones, who finished out his five-year contract and signed a multi-year deal with the Raiders. Christian Kirk broke the wide receiver market, who signed a huge four-year, $72 million deal with the Jags despite never topping 1,000 yards as a career WR3. They also lost Conner’s running back mate Chase Edmonds, who gets a shot at the full-time job in Miami.
Jordan Hicks, who was cut after three seasons of solid middle linebacker play. To aid in his departure, Cards signed Nick Vigil, formerly of the Bengals, Chargers, and Vikings.
The last guy I wanna mention is Jeff Gladney, an under-the radar signing. The 2020 first-round pick was cut by the Vikings after one season after being arrested for domestic violence. He was found not guilty and signed with Arizona. This could be a massive signing in the long run as you can never have too many corners, and you need depth behind Byron Murphy and Marco Wilson.
Conclusion: This was a weird offseason for the Arizona Cardinals. Kyler Murray needs to shape up and be the leader they need him to be. Don’t be whiny and wipe your Instagram demanding a long-term contract. You haven’t proved it yet, and you need to stay healthy and trust your coaching staff and lead your team through the playoffs. If you can do that, you can get your money, or you can go back to baseball.
This roster is solid, with decent weapons, and good line, and a young defense that can hopefully be coached up by their limited veterans. I have high hopes for the Cardinals, but the time might be up for Kliff Kingsbury if anything over than success happens.
Football Nerds 