One position highly overlooked in the Arizona Cardinals offense is at tight end. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury is known for running four and five receivers. However, because of the development of the running game, the Cardinals tight ends ended up being an important part of the offense, even if they weren’t particularly productive statistically.
Let’s look at the position for the coming offseason.
2019 review
Statistically, their tight ends didn’t do anything to stand out. Charles Clay had 18 receptions, Maxx Williams had 15 receptions. Each scored one touchdown. Dan Arnold had two catches and six touchdowns late in the season and Darrell Daniels had one catch.
However, Williams played almost 47 percent of the team’s snaps and Clay played nearly 38 percent — much more than anyone thought would be the case.
Offseason roster
Here is who they have on the roster right now.
- Charles Clay: will be an unrestricted free agent
- Maxx Williams: signed through 2021
- Darrell Daniels: signed through 2021
- Dan Arnold: signed through 2020
Offseason questions
There aren’t many questions about this group. It is important but not critical statistically. The biggest question is about Arnold. He showed a lot of promises as a potential playmaker at the position. However, Cardinals fans have had the same excitement for other players like Rob Housler and Ricky Seals-Jones, only to be badly disappointed.
Clay’s status is unknown because the Cardinals probably want to get younger.
Williams signed a contract extension during the season. Will he play a big role or be more complementary?
Offseason outlook and potential moves
By re-signing Williams during the season, it appears they have made their main move. However, there is a rumor floating around that the Cardinals will try and sign Atlanta Falcons stud tight end Austin Hooper. He will be expensive and it would be an interesting move but he certainly would make the position better.
If they do bring in a tight end, it will likely be a lower-cost veteran who can block some. If it isn’t Clay returning, it will be a player like him.
Then they will add a rookie or two in the draft or as undrafted rookies.
Other than that, unless they do target Hooper, it will mostly be quiet at the position in 2020.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep. 256
Ep. 255
