Three weeks ago, things did not look good for the Cardinals heading into the offseason: everyone and everything needed to be replaced is what the fans were feeling. Outside of Kyler Murray, Kliff Kingsbury, and Chandler Jones, nothing was set in stone.
What a difference a couple of games make!
However, despite the recent optimism that comes from winning two games, there are still quite a few holes to fill on this roster in the offseason. Here are a few that stick out:
Re-sign Kenyan Drake
At this point, it would be a huge disappointment if they don’t re-sign Drake. Whether he can re-create his success remains to be seen, but he has earned his next contract after rushing for 583 yards in just 7 games (this translates to over 1300 yards rushing in a full 16 game season for those wondering).
Figure out what to do with David Johnson
Unfortunately, the one downside of Drake’s success is now Arizona must figure out what to do with David Johnson and his contract. Cutting him, even with a post-June 1 designation, seems to be a major waste of money.
Would they consider trying to flip him to another team with a draft pick, much like what Houston did with Brock Osweiler? One would guess that teams like Tampa Bay and Kansas City may be interested. it’s something to monitor on draft day, and one that would likely require Arizona to pick up extra picks at some point.
Draft or sign a potential number one receiver
One of the unheralded stories is how Arizona has progessed offensively without a true number one. Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald have done their best, but at this point of their careers, they both feel more like number 2 receivers.
Would Arizona reunite Kyler Murray with someone like CeeDee Lamb? Draft Jerry Jeudy? One soon-to-be free agent to watch is receiver Amari Cooper. If Dallas doesn’t have the money and/or chooses to not pay Cooper, he would be a good fit in the desert.
Figure out what to do at right tackle
It may be time to face the fact that Arizona’s offensive line isn’t awful. However, they do need to figure out a long-term plan at right tackle.
Do they sign someone in free agency? Do they draft someone on Day 1 or 2? Do they potentially re-sign Marcus Gilbert to give him another chance at a healthy season?
Add to the defensive line
The Cardinals defense has been surprising the last couple of games despite the fact that the defensive line is in shambles.
They truly need an impact defender along the line, one that will help Chandler Jones in getting pressure on the quarterback, for the defense to take the next step.
Add a defensive playmaker
Whether it’s in the draft, or in free agency, they need another blue-chip caliber player. They have some nice pieces in Chandler Jones, Budda Baker, Jordan Hicks, and even Patrick Peterson (should he continue his recent play), but they could really use another impact defender.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
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