This excerpt provides an overview of the Arizona Cardinals’ recent season and upcoming offseason. Despite their 4-13 record last season, the midseason return of quarterback Kyler Murray provided reasons for optimism and the team has expressed its intention to build around the young signal caller. In games with Murray under center, the team saw increased averages in yards and points per game compared to games with other quarterbacks. Head coach Jonathan Gannon faced several challenges in his first season, including losing key offensive players to injury for various amounts of time. With most or all of his offensive players healthy now, Gannon will have a real chance to demonstrate his coaching abilities. The team currently has projected cap space of $45.15 million for the upcoming offseason, which is the ninth-most in the NFL. The team has several players set to become free agents on offense, including running back Marlon Mack, wide receivers Marquise Brown and Greg Dortch, and tight end Geoff Swaim, among others.
This excerpt provides information on the Arizona Cardinals’ pending free agents on defense, including Carlos Watkins, L.J. Collier, Jonathan Ledbetter, Leki Fotu, Ezekiel Turner, Josh Woods, Krys Barnes, Antonio Hamilton, Rashad Fenton, Darrell Baker Jr., and Budda Baker. While certain players on this list are considered important parts of the team, such as Budda Baker, the secondary remains an area of weakness for the team. If Baker tests the open market and leaves the team, they will need to find a plug-and-play starter to take his place. Additionally, the team may consider retaining solid pass catchers like Marquise Brown and Greg Dortch to bolster their receiving corps, while also potentially drafting a receiver in the first round of the upcoming draft to serve as a competitor and mentor.
This excerpt provides information on the Arizona Cardinals’ draft picks for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, including their selection in the first round and multiple picks in the third, fifth, and seventh rounds. The team’s top needs are listed as wide receiver, offensive guard, edge-rusher, defensive line, and cornerback. The team may use their multiple picks to add depth to their roster, but if Marvin Harrison Jr. is still available at fourth overall, he would be a smart choice for the Cardinals. With their second first-rounder, the team may target a starting guard or edge-rusher. Additionally, the team may focus on free agency to fill starting roles and look to the draft to find young players to develop for the future. Some draft prospects listed to watch include wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze, offensive guards Troy Fautanu, Christian Mahogany, and Zak Zinter, edge rushers Chop Robinson, Bralen Trice, and Chris Braswell, as well as defensive tackles Jer’Zahn Newton and T’Vondre Sweat.
