The Arizona Cardinals showed significant improvement in the 2024 season. After two years of high draft picks, they achieved eight wins and remained competitive in the NFC West until the final weeks of the season. This progress has set the stage for important decisions during the offseason, as the team aims to build on its momentum.
One of the most critical tasks facing the Cardinals is evaluating their current roster. They must determine which players with expiring contracts should be retained and which should be allowed to leave. This careful assessment will be crucial in shaping the team’s future success.
The Cardinals’ ability to make sound decisions regarding player contracts will be vital. Retaining key players can help maintain continuity and build on the team’s recent progress. However, acquiring new talent through free agency or trades can also address weaknesses and enhance the team’s overall competitiveness.
As the Cardinals navigate this crucial offseason period, they must strike a balance between retaining valuable assets and pursuing new opportunities to improve the roster. The decisions made now will have a significant impact on the team’s trajectory in the coming seasons.
Cardinals have demonstrated a positive trajectory in the 2024 season.
Their success hinges on making strategic decisions during the offseason, particularly regarding player contracts. By carefully evaluating their current roster and pursuing the best course of action for each player, the Cardinals can lay the foundation for continued growth and future success.
Three most important players cardinals needs to re-sign this offseason:
Greg Dortch
Arizona Cardinals possess a formidable core of pass-catching talent. Trey McBride has established himself as a top-tier tight end, while rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr. has already made a significant impact.
Michael Wilson appears poised to solidify his role as the team’s second wide receiver. However, the depth at the wide receiver position beyond this core group presents a more uncertain picture.
With Greg Dortch, Zay Jones, and Zach Pascal all set to become free agents, the Cardinals face a potential void in their receiving corps. While their contributions may not have been eye-popping, these players have provided valuable depth and experience.
Given the limited options behind them, retaining at least one of these free agents should be a priority for the Cardinals.
Among the free agents, Greg Dortch emerges as the most logical candidate to re-sign. Despite modest career statistics, Dortch has consistently contributed as a reliable fourth receiving option throughout his time in Arizona. His 37 receptions for 342 yards and three touchdowns last season demonstrate his ability to make timely plays.
Rather than expending valuable draft capital or significant financial resources on a new WR3, the Cardinals can maintain continuity and stability by retaining Greg Dortch. He is well-suited for the role and possesses a familiarity with the team’s offensive system that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Kyzir White
Cardinals appear poised to make a significant mistake by potentially letting go of linebacker Kyzir White. Named a team captain last season, White was a key contributor with 137 total tackles and nine tackles for loss. Despite a recent social media post hinting at a potential departure, the Cardinals should prioritize retaining him.
While White may have struggled in coverage, his impact on the team’s run defense cannot be overstated. The Cardinals struggled mightily against the run in 2024, ranking among the bottom 10 in the league with an average of 4.6 yards per carry allowed. Releasing one of their most effective run-stopping linebackers would be a counterproductive step towards addressing this critical weakness.
Cardinals should prioritize retaining Kyzir White. His leadership, tackling prowess, and impact against the run make him an invaluable asset to the team. Despite his coverage deficiencies, his overall contributions outweigh the potential drawbacks, particularly considering the team’s pressing need to improve its run defense.
Evan Brown
Cardinals witnessed significant improvement in their offensive line this season. This unit excelled in both run blocking and pass protection. They consistently opened holes for running back James Conner, enabling him to average 4.6 yards per carry.
Moreover, they demonstrated exceptional pass protection, ranking fifth in the league in sacks allowed. While the addition of Jonah Williams undoubtedly contributed to this success, the entire offensive line played at a high level.
However, Cardinals face a crucial challenge as several key offensive linemen are set to become free agents, including Will Hernandez, Trystan Colon, and Evan Brown. Among these, re-signing Evan Brown should be the team’s top priority. Brown delivered a strong performance at left guard this season, conceding only two sacks and committing just two penalties throughout the season.
Furthermore, finding quality left guards in free agency can be particularly challenging. In contrast, the team has viable options at right guard. Will Hernandez, despite his recent knee injury, could be replaced by Isaiah Adams, who played right guard this season after excelling at left guard in college.
This flexibility allows the Cardinals to prioritize re-signing Evan Brown, potentially on a short-term deal. Securing Brown’s services for the upcoming season is crucial to maintaining the offensive line’s recent success.
Cardinals should strongly consider re-signing these players who are both respected within the organization and excel in a defensive area where the team struggles. This type of move can significantly enhance the team’s defensive capabilities.