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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jess Root

Almost all Cardinals’ top skill players set to be free agents

The Arizona Cardinals had a very good 2021 season, even if the ending was not what was hoped after a fast start. They want to build on that success in 2022, but to do that, they have a major obstacle in free agency.

Almost all their key skill players are not under contract in 2022.

These are the offensive starters set to be free agents when the new league year begins in March.

  • RB Chase Edmonds
  • RB James Conner
  • WR Christian Kirk
  • WR A.J. Green
  • TE Zach Ertz
  • TE Maxx Williams

That is their two best running backs, two of their three starting receivers and their two best tight ends.

How much offense do they account for?

  • 1,359 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns
  • 283 receptions for 3,283 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns

These six players accounted for 65% of their rushing yards, 71% of their passing offense and 64% of their offensive touchdowns.

They have a young receiver in Rondale Moore who can step into one of the roles, but they do not have running backs or tight ends who can be considered even near starting-caliber right now.

Whether it is bringing some or all of them back or replacing them with players at least equal in skill, this is going to be a hugely important offseason and might require head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s best offensive coaching to date.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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