It’s nearly time for the NFL offseason and free agency to begin. However, it doesn’t mean that the only moves Arizona will make are on the free agent market.
With the news of all the compensatory picks the Cardinals will receive, that adds up to one thing — general manager Steve Keim is going to wheel and deal.
Much like he did with players like Marcus Cooper (2018 seventh-round pick), last year with Jamar Taylor (2020 sixth-round pick), or Matt Barkley (2016 seventh-round pick), the likelihood is that Steve Keim will deal a late-round pick for a veteran that will help Arizona’s depth.
Some candidates were brought up on the last edition of the podcast — quarterback Case Keenum, tight end Tyler Higbee and receiver John Ross. But how about some less than obvious candidates?
Here are a few:
Kenny Stills, WR, Miami
There are rumors that Miami may be ready to move on from Stills:
Stills carries a bit of a cap hit, but he would be a qualified second wide receiver that would seem to be a good fit in the type of offense that Kingsbury would like to run.
All it might take would be either a sixth or seventh-round pick. He had a down year last season but is just two years removed from a 58 catch season with Miami.
Malik Jackson, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jackson’s contract is not the friendliest, as he will make at least $13 million a year for the next three seasons. However, if the Cardinals are looking to make a splash, Jackson is rumored to be on the trade block.
Jackson would seem to be a better fit in a 4-3, but Vance Joseph would likely feel confident about his ability to switch to the 3-4.
Given the fact that he costs so much, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to offer a Day 3 pick for Jackson, then restructure his contract.
Forrest Lamp, G, Los Angeles Chargers
Lamp may get lost in a numbers game in Los Angeles, as he has had injury issues that have held him back.
They seem to have plenty of depth along their offensive line, so if Arizona floated a Day 3 pick, would L.A. bite?
If they do, Arizona could get a talented guard that was once considered a first-round possibility just a couple of years ago.
Derek Newton, G/T, New Orleans Saints
Newton is another offensive lineman who may lose out in the numbers game for the cash strapped Saints.
Newton could prove to be valuable depth for the Cardinals, who really lacked it last season.
And he could likely be had for a seventh-round pick, given that this is his 10th season, and doesn’t have a large cap hit (less than $1 million).
Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Agholor is another player who is supposedly on the trade block.
Yes, he plays in the slot, which is not what the Cardinals need. However, Kingsbury has done well with slot sized receivers in his time at Texas Tech, so it’s likely that he could figure out how to use a player like Agholor.
The price might be an earlier Day 3 pick, but it would be worth it if Arizona is looking to add a veteran receiver on the last year of his deal.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
