Arizona Cardinals: Offseason Wants, Needs & Preview

[Finished 8-8 Overall]

The Arizona Cardinals came out of the gate scorching hot in the 2020 season. Unfortunately, the only thing that remained hot was the temperature in Arizona. This team's fire extinguished about as quickly as it started, leaving them with an 8-8 record.

QB Kyler Murray’s rushing efficiency was extraordinary, finishing 6th in the league in the category. The Cardinals were dominant in the running game due to scheme, middle-of-the-pack cap room, and an average amount of draft capital. WR DeAndre Hopkins was brought in to expand the passing game options, but the final result was disappointing. Even though Hopkins had career moments this season, the Cardinals as a whole ranked 18th in receiving in 2020. Their passing game, much like nearly every other team statistical category, was average at best. We wanted the horizontal raid, up-tempo offense under HC Kliff Kingsbury, and unfortunately, we were let down.

Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph was very aggressive, blitzing at the 5th highest rate in the NFL. While pressure wasn’t the issue, maintaining coverage for a long period of time was what ultimately led to this defense's downfall.

The NFC West will be a tough division this year. The Rams will be improved, the 49ers will be healthier, and Seattle has Russell Wilson. The Cardinals need to have a successful off-season. Despite improving 3 wins from 2019 to 2020, this franchise needs to at least make the playoffs in year 3 or it will be deemed a disappointment.

Offensive Needs

At just 23 years old, Kyler Murray is one of the most electrifying young quarterbacks in the NFL. Murray finished as the fifth overall QB in 2020. Mobility is vital in today’s game, and Murray’s legs are what keep him in play every week. This bonafide star averages 9 fantasy rushing points per game. It’s rare to have a player with his floor, and even higher ceiling if Kingsbury & Co. can put the correct pieces around him. The Cardinals still have issues upfront, especially with the interior linemen. Giving Murray time is imperative because of his petite size. You wouldn't be able to tell by his talent, but Murray is the shortest quarterback to ever play in the league. In the modern era of the NFL, quarterback size is becoming less and less important. Just look at another NFC West quarterback by the name of Russ Wilson, he is only an inch taller than Murray.

Instead of the franchise tag, RB Kenyan Drake was handed the transition tag. It's very possible the Cardinals will let Drake walk in free agency and let other competitors be brought in to sort out who the true lead back is. Drake signing elsewhere will ultimately cap his upside, unless he goes to an unforeseen situation. Although RB Chase Edmonds had multiple opportunities to showcase his talent, he failed to run away with the job. Arizona's elite rushing scheme makes the potential vacancy in their backfield an interesting one to monitor. Whoever the Cardinals choose to bring in could also offer sleeper value in fantasy drafts.

As far as playmakers go, the Cardinals have to be disappointed in the results based on the roster's current personnel. D-Hop ran 87% of his snaps from the left side of the field last season and was a target hog. In year 2, Hopkins can have an even better season if he is moved to the slot. This way, he will challenge teams vertically downfield. WR Christian Kirk was the king of wind sprints last year. Kirks's speed is outstanding, but getting him the ball in space was another story. Will the 3rd year receiver make the next step in his career? Or will he be a late-round flyer selected towards the end of your draft to fill out rosters? WR Larry Fitzgerald will once again ponder retirement this off-season, for what appears to be the 8th season in a row. WR Andy Isabella is one of the quickest receivers in the league but has failed to secure playing time over the course of his short career. It wouldn't be shocking if this team addressed depth at WR in this year’s upcoming draft.

TE Dan Arnold will be eligible for free agency this offseason. Maxx Williams was one of the best rush blocking tight ends in the game, while free agent Dan Arnold became a tough-to-guard red zone threat for Arizona. At this time, you have to wonder will they let go of Arnold who seemed to develop chemistry with Murray late? Pay attention to who this franchise chooses to draft and sign because this offense certainly has untapped potential.

Defensive Needs

When you're a team that blitzes at such a heavy rate, you have to be able to maintain coverage downfield. The perimeter cornerback faces will look very different for Arizona in 2021. Veteran CB Patrick Peterson is set for free agency, while CB Byron Murphy has disappointed and is an obvious cut candidate at his current $10M salary. CB Robert Alford was injury-ridden last season, and it would come as a surprise if he returned to this team in 2021. With LB Chandler Jones and DE J.J. Watt now on the edge, they will form one of the most dynamic pass-rushing units in the NFL. Coming off of a 13-sack season, LB Haason Reddick was a pleasant surprise. The one spot on defense where Arizona needs to make adjustments is at the defensive tackle position. It’s difficult to win in the NFL when you can't stop the run, and Arizona simply can't do that. S Budda Baker got paid and is one of the best at his position in the NFL. S Chris Banjo will most likely not return, so look for the Cards to add another safety. First-round swiss army knife LB Isaiah Simmons may be asked to do more this season as he adjusts to life in the NFL. The Cards have good depth at linebacker and pass rush which may help them if corner remains a need. One thing is for certain, stopping both the pass and the run is the key to Arizona’s success in 2021.

Too Long Didn't Read Version

Signing DE J.J. Watt provides veteran leadership and adds another piece to apply pressure while clogging the run. Unfortunately, this franchise is strapped for cash, and this signing will signal the end for one of the best corners in the game, Patrick Peterson. Watts's large contract will make it difficult for him to be brought back at his asking price. Questions remain to be answered regarding HC Kliff Kingsbury's ability to take this team in the direction of the playoffs. Is he holding Murray back with his conservative offense? Ultimately, will he bring in the right pieces to make this offense hit its full stride in 2021? The wild offseason that is 2021 will answer these questions.