Cardinals Offseason Needs 2022: Free Agency And Draft Preview
The 2021 Arizona Cardinals felt a lot like the 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers. A great start paired with a just horrific ending. Unfortunately, this type of trend seems to be the norm with the Cardinals. In 2020 they ended the year 8-8 but got there in a concerning fashion as it was quite a fall from grace. Then add in the fact that Kyler Murray and his agent put out a long statement that basically said “Pay me,” and this offseason will be a confusing one. So how can a newly extended front office address the Cardinals offseason needs?
Free Agency
So according to overthecap.com, the Cardinals have $2,186 available in cap space. So we need to do some in-house work first. There are not a lot of cut candidates that make sense, so we’re going the restructuring route. Restructuring DeAndre Hopkins opens up 10.7 million, and restructuring Budda Baker opens up another 6.6 million. Then it’s incredibly difficult from there. DJ Humphries has a 19.3 million cap hit and is in the final year of his deal. An extension is possible, but I’m not sure what that money would look like. So we have 17 million ready to go for free agency, what can we get with that? Well, not a ton. Resigning Chandler Jones should be a priority, but that seems unlikely. Maybe resign James Conner if he doesn’t bend you over backward and hamstring you for years. The same goes for Zach Ertz, bring him back but don’t break the bank for him.
Then, they need to make a move for a pass rusher if Jones leaves. Go for a Von Miller, even a JPP. Get someone to help. The offensive line is not as bad as it seems. But still, wouldn’t hurt to improve it. The problem is, I don’t think they can really improve it in this free agency cycle. The only upgrade that I can see is bringing in Brandon Scherff. Outside of that, on to the draft!
Draft
Wide receivers wide receivers wide receivers. GET ANOTHER WIDE RECEIVER! Christian Kirk is leaving, get his replacement. Get someone so you’re not screwed if Hopkins gets hurt or disappears. Get some more weapons for this Air Raid offense because you’re going to need it when playing against the Rams.
I’m just going to go with the presumption that Kyler Murray plays for the Cardinals next season, why wouldn’t he? He doesn’t have enough leverage to not play for them. Lamar Jackson has a better resume, and he still doesn’t have a deal.
