The 2023 season has just ended, and on February 20, the 2024 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Arizona Cardinals.
She looked sad. She ultimately brings hope. The Cardinals' season got off to a catastrophic start with 1 win in 9 games. It ended in a positive way with 3 more victories over the last 8. We are therefore a long way from the season in hell that we promised in Arizona.
Kyler Murray is back in shape. The staff is stable with a general manager and a coach in place. For the field, beyond the negative season, encouraging performances make the Cardinals a potential team to watch for the 2024 season.
The captains
- Kyler Murray (QB)
- James Conner (RB)
- Jalen Thompson (S)
In half a season, he proves that he is essential. Kyler Murray had an honorable season with 13 touchdowns. His successful performance against Philadelphia can be a reference first match.
In his absence, James Conner was the one who carried out the attack. The running back signed his first season with more than 1,000 yards. Surpassing the 50 career touchdown mark, he remains a regular, solid and reliable running back (missed 3 games this season).
Lots of difficulties in defense, especially at ground level. On the other hand, in terms of air coverage, it is better. The one who best symbolizes this air defense squad is Jalen Thompson. The safety had another quality season, punctuated by 4 interceptions. Leader, he is undisputed and essential to the defense of Jonathan Gannon.
The undesirables
- Kelvin Beachum (OT)
- Will Hernandez (OL)
- Budda Baker (S)
The offensive line struggled in 2023. The selections of Paris Johnson Jr. and Jon Gaines II will likely allow Arizona to free up some payroll. This is why Kelvin Beachum (35 years old in September 2024) and Will Hernandez serve as ideal candidates for a potential cut.
The 3rd player may seem surprising, as he is an essential element to the franchise. But, for economic reasons, the potential cut of Budda Baker could free up $14 million in payroll. Not sure that having 30 million dollars on two players at the safety position is wise if we want to continue the reconstruction on the Arizona side.
Man of the Summer: Trey McBride (TE)
He has become Kyler Murray's preferred target since the latter's return. Trey McBride finally launched his NFL career in 2023. Very reliable (81 successful receptions out of 106), he can establish himself as a number 1 receiver. All this while waiting for the emergence of an outside receiver capable of making the big plays .
Where he needs to improve is in terms of the number of touchdowns. Author of 3 touchdowns in 2023, he must now be a real threat in the red zone. Arizona has perhaps not yet seen the potential of the former 2nd round of the 2022 Draft. It is up to Drew Petzing, the offensive coordinator, to find solutions to improve him in this area.
Main free agents
1. Marquise Brown (WR)
2. Antonio Hamilton (CB)
3. Josh Woods (LB)
4. Jonathan Ledbetter (DT)
5. Elijah Wilkinson (OL)
Other free agents: Krys Barnes (LB), Geoff Swaim (TE), Trystan Colon (OL), Greg Dortch (WR, restricted), Aaron Brewer (LS), Leki Fotu (DT), Jesse Luketa (EDGE), LJ Collier (DT), Marlon Mack (RB), Pat Elflein (OL), Rashad Fenton (CB)
Given the investment made to pick him up during the 2022 Draft, extending Marquise Brown should be a priority. Very good this season, Antonio Hamilton will probably have another chance.
For others, it can be complicated. Experienced players, but injured all season, Pat Elflein and Rashad Fenton could stay. Most of this list should be left free, or else be re-signed to short-term contracts.
Needs
1. Cornerback
2. Receiver
3. Edge rusher
4. Offensive Tackle
5. Defensive Tackle
Last year, the Cardinals invested in young cornerbacks (Clark, Williams). But none in the squad has the profile of an outside cornerback. The position should be considered again this offseason.
On the other hand, Larry Fitzgerald's successor is still awaited. In the past, DeAndre Hopkins, or even AJ Green have been there, but not with the same success. A number 1 receiver is expected, although the development of Michael Wilson will be interesting to follow.
On the lines, reinforcement is also needed. In defense, Jonathan Gannon does not yet have the same line as the one he had with the Eagles. After BJ Ojulari, another pass rusher is expected. Dennis Gardeck may have had a good season, but he is not a long-term solution. Finally, Zaven Collins is not a natural pass rusher, and should find a position as a linebacker more suited to his abilities.
On offense, mentioned above, Kelvin Beachum is old and should be replaced. DJ Humphries is no guarantee of safety either. We will therefore have to give a new look to one of the most important positions in this sport.
The target: Jaylon Johnson (CB, Bears)
With a good payroll ($45 million), the Cardinals can afford to offer 1 or 2 big contracts. Among these contracts, we can find one for cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
For 4 seasons, Johnson has been a reliable cornerback, missing very few games, and at his full potential. Coming off his best career season, the 24-year-old could land a big contract. What the Cardinals could offer him.
With Johnson, Jonathan Gannon would have enough to have a quality second curtain if we add Thompson, Baker, Clark and Williams. Facing receivers like Deebo Samuel, Cooper Kupp or even DK Metcalf in the NFC West, this is not insignificant.
New blood: Oluwumiya Fashanu (OT, Penn State)
Selected last year, Paris Johnson Jr. did not completely satisfy the right tackle position in the absence of DJ Humphries. The latter should resume his place as left tackle in place of Kelvin Beachum. But what about the right tackle position? If Paris Johnson Jr. is not the solution, the latter may be found in the next Draft.
Olu Fashanu is an intelligent and mobile player. At Penn State, despite a 2023 season less convincing than the last 2 seasons, he gave guarantees of quality on his level for the professional world. His addition would rejuvenate the offensive line, which made progress last season, but which lacks quality. With Kyler Murray confirmed for next season, we will have to surround him better, and above all protect him better.
