2021 NFL Offseason: Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals (Last Year: 8-8)

2021 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
QB Colt McCoy, RB James Conner, WR A.J. Green, G Brian Winters, C Rodney Hudson, DT J.J. Watt, CB Darqueze Dennard, CB Malcolm Butler, CB Daryl Worley, S Shawn Williams, K Matt Prater.
Early Draft Picks:
LB Zaven Collins, WR/RB Rondale Moore, S/CB Marco Wilson. Cardinals Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
RB Kenyan Drake, WR Larry Fitzgerald, TE Dan Arnold, OT Marcus Gilbert, G J.R. Sweezy, C Mason Cole, LB Haasan Reddick, LB De’Vondre Campbell, CB Patrick Peterson, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Johnathan Joseph, K Zane Gonzalez.

2021 Arizona Cardinals Offense:
The Cardinals made a very controversial move atop the 2019 NFL Draft when they opted to select Kyler Murray. They became the first team in the modern era to use consecutive first-round picks on quarterbacks without trading the second one they chose. Though some criticized this decision, it was clear that it was the correct choice at the time. The 2020 season only confirmed that. The Cardinals appeared to be in a position to reach the playoffs, but an injury Murray suffered in a Thursday night affair against the Seahawks derailed those plans.

Still, the fact remains that the Cardinals were close last year. If Murray remains healthy in 2021, it seems almost certain that Arizona will not only be in the postseason this year; it’ll have a chance to make a run to Super Bowl LVI. A big part of the optimism is a huge upgrade the Cardinals made to the offensive line when they acquired Rodney Hudson for a third-round pick. Hudson is one of the top centers in the NFL, so Murray will love playing behind him. Hudson will be flanked by Justin Pugh and Brian Winters. Pugh is solid when healthy, while Winters is a liability.

Teams can get away with having one weakness on the offensive line, and that’ll be the case for the Cardinals with Winters because the tackles figure to perform well once again. Arizona has a nice tandem in D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Beachum. Humphries, who has seemingly overcome the injury issues that plagued him earlier in his career, was stellar in 2020.

Murray will make good use of having extra time to throw this year. The extra protection will only make his connection with DeAndre Hopkins more lethal. The two gelled quickly last year despite not having a real offseason to build chemistry, so they’ll be even more familiar with each other in 2021. Murray will also connect with his other threats, Christian Kirk and A.J. Green. Kirk is always a threat to make a big play, while Green figures to replace Larry Fitzgerald, who may decide to retire.

Murray also has a nice weapon out of the backfield in Chase Edmonds. The fourth-year pro isn’t a great runner by any means, but he’s a dynamic receiver. He’ll split touches with James Conner, who can handle the short-yardage duties. Meanwhile, second-round rookie Rondale Moore is a wild card because he can play anywhere. It’ll be interesting to see what Kliff Kingsbury does with him.

2021 Arizona Cardinals Defense:
The Cardinals made some nice strides defensively last year compared to their 2019 results. Their ranking as far as points and yardage allowed rose from 28th and 32nd to 12th and 13th, respectively. It should be no surprise if those figures continue to improve, thanks to some key acquisitions the Cardinals made this offseason.

The big name the Cardinals acquired was J.J. Watt, who was released by the Texans early in the offseason. Despite his age (32) and numerous injuries that he suffered earlier in his career, Watt still performed on a Pro Bowl level last year. There’s no reason to think he’ll be any worse in Arizona. He’ll be the dominant force the Cardinals haven’t had up front since the Calais Campbell days. Watt will start on the defensive line with 2019 third-rounder Zach Allen, who will certainly benefit from Watt’s presence, and one of Leki Fotu or Jordan Phillips, both of whom struggled last year.

The Cardinals will have a devastating pass rush with Watt joining Chandler Jones and Markus Golden. Jones obviously isn’t a new addition, but he is in a sense for the 2021 campaign because he missed most of last season with a torn biceps. The Cardinals may have reached the playoffs with a healthy Jones, even when factoring in Murray’s late-season injury. Jones is 31, so he shouldn’t suffer any regression. Golden, meanwhile, has proven that he can get to the quarterback consistently when the opposition is focused on other players.

Zaven Collins also figures to be in the pass-rushing mix. Chosen 16th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Collins is an extremely versatile linebacker who will make for a great chess piece for coordinator Vance Joseph. The Cardinals needed help at linebacker in the wake of Jordan Hicks’ struggles, so Collins will be a welcome addition. Of course, Arizona also has Isaiah Simmons, who struggled to find a home as a rookie. The Cardinals used Simmons in a variety of methods. In addition to playing linebacker, Simmons lined up as an edge rusher, a safety and a slot cornerback. With more experience, Simmons figures to be better in his sophomore campaign.

Malcolm Butler is another addition the Cardinals made this offseason. He ordinarily wouldn’t be an upgrade over Patrick Peterson, but Peterson is coming off his worst year as a pro. Butler should be better than Peterson was in 2020. He’ll start alongside the talented and young Byron Murphy and Robert Alford, who missed all of this past season with an injury. Darqueze Dennard, a talented cornerback with a dubious injury history, will also be in the mix.

Rounding out the defense, Arizona has a very talented safety in Budda Baker. It remains to be seen who will start alongside Baker. It could be Chris Banjo, who did well last year despite usually being just a core special-teamer.

2021 Arizona Cardinals Schedule and Intangibles:
Something that was apparent during Arizona’s run to the Super Bowl in 2008 was the home-field advantage the team unceremoniously established. Including the playoffs and excluding 2018 because that was a lost season, the Cardinals are 62-36-2 as hosts the past 11 years, though they’re just 6-9-1 as hosts with Kyler Murray.

Losing Ted Ginn five offseasons ago continues to haunt the Cardinals’ special teams unit. They’ve been outgained on both punts and kickoff returns for the most part as a result ever since.

The Cardinals signed Matt Prater to be their new kicker. The long-time Lion was 21-of-28 in 2020, but he drilled 6-of-10 from 50-plus.

Andy Lee finished 25th in net punting average in 2017, but improved his ranking to fifth in 2018. He was in the middle of the pack in 2019, ranking 17th. He dropped to 21st in 2020.

Excluding the divisional games, the Cardinals have an easy schedule. They have a third-place slate, and they’ll also be going against the NFC North and AFC South.

2021 Arizona Cardinals Rookies:
Go here for the Cardinals Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.

2021 Arizona Cardinals Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

Quarterbacks	Offensive Line	Secondary
Running Backs	Defensive Line	Special Teams
Receivers	Linebackers	Coaching

2021 Arizona Cardinals Analysis: The Cardinals are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Kyler Murray is entering his third year, and he’ll have a great supporting cast and improved offensive line aiding him. The defense, meanwhile, will be upgraded by J.J. Watt’s presence and Chandler Jones’ return from injury. If the Buccaneers falter as a result of injury, Arizona could become the favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Projection: 12-5 (Tied 1st in NFC West)

2020 Projection: 9-7. 2020 Actual Result: 8-8.
2019 Projection: 5-11. 2019 Actual Result: 5-10-1.
2018 Projection: 5-11. 2018 Actual Result: 3-13.
2017 Projection: 8-8. 2017 Actual Result: 8-8.
2016 Projection: 13-3. 2016 Actual Result: 7-8-1.

NFL Draft Team Grade: B- Grade

Goals Entering the 2021 NFL Draft: The Cardinals addressed Kyle Murray’s play-making talent and blocking through free agency with A.J. Green and Rodney Hudson. They’re now in a position to upgrade the defense so that Murray gets as many possessions as possible.

2021 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Arizona desperately wanted to address its cornerback weakness, but the right players never fell to them. Both Patrick Surtain and Jaycee Horn were the primary targets at No. 16, but they were long gone by then. Tyson Campbell was preferred in the second round, but he didn’t come close to Arizona’s pick either. Thus, the Cardinals had to “settle” for Zaven Collins, a versatile and athletic linebacker, and Rondale Moore, an intriguing mismatch weapon.

The Cardinals eventually found some defensive backs in the fourth and seventh rounds, but the secondary will continue to be a position of weakness, which will hurt in a division comprised of Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford and eventually Trey Lance. That said, the Cardinals were able to acquire some talented prospects to help in other areas. Collins certainly fills a need, while edge rusher Victor Dimukeje was a sleeper edge rusher in the sixth frame.

It’s safe to say that the Cardinals are disappointed that none of its coveted cornerbacks fell to them, so this was an underwhelming draft from that perspective. However, the overall haul was not a bad one, as only one of their selections scored worse than a “B” grade.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

16. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa – B+ Grade
The Cardinals have a dynamic offense, but they struggled to put pressure on the quarterback and cover the middle of the field last year. Zaven Collins can help in both regards. He’s a dynamic, versatile linebacker who happens to be a great fit in Arizona’s defense. I like this pick, as Collins will be needed to stop all of the powerhouse offenses in the NFC West.

49. Rondale Moore, WR/RB, Purdue – B Grade
You can’t be surprised that Kliff Kingsbury made this pick. Rondale Moore is a dynamic gadget weapon. He doesn’t have a natural position, but the Cardinals will be able to use him all over the place. Kyler Murray is probably happy about this selection, though he would have been better off getting an offensive line upgrade.

136. Marco Wilson, S/CB, Florida – C Grade
The Cardinals missed out on Tyson Campbell in the second round, so I’m not surprised they went after someone like Marco Wilson, who is incredibly athletic. However, the Cardinals announced Wilson as a safety, which is surprising. Safety was a need as well, but we’ll have to see how Wilson transitions to this position.

210. Victor Dimukeje, DE, Duke – A- Grade
Victor Dimukeje is just an average athlete, but he was a very productive player at Duke. The Cardinals need all the pass-rushing help they can get, and Dimukeje easily could have gone earlier than this. I’m a fan of this pick.

223. Tay Gowan, CB, Central Florida – B+ Grade
Tay Gowan was productive at Central Florida, and he also has a nice size (6-1, 186) and athletic combination. The Cardinals did well to find a cornerback with upside late in the draft , given the dire need at the position.

243. James Wiggins, S, Cincinnati – A- Grade
I mocked James Wiggins a round earlier than this, so I’m a fan of the value the Cardinals are getting in the middle of the seventh round. Wiggins is very athletic and possesses great upside, so Wiggins has a decent chance to make something of himself in the pros.

247. Michael Menet, C, Penn State – A Grade
Protecting the brittle Kyler Murray is extremely important, so I’m a fan of the Cardinals using this selection on Michael Menet. The Penn State product was slated in the fifth round of my mock, so this is definitely a nice value selection.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

Season Summary:
The Cardinals looked like they would win the division early in the year, but everything changed when Kyler Murray banged his shoulder in a Thursday night affair against the Seahawks. Arizona still had a chance to reach the playoffs in Week 17, but another injury to Murray derailed that possibility.

Offseason Moves:

Cardinals sign DT Xavier Williams

Cardinals sign CB Darqueze Dennard

Cardinals sign G Brian Winters

Cardinals sign RB James Conner Cardinals sign QB Colt McCoy

Cardinals sign S Shawn Williams

Vikings acquire C Mason Cole from Cardinals

Cardinals sign CB Malcolm Butler

Cardinals sign K Matt Prater

Cardinals acquire C Rodney Hudson from Raiders

Cardinals sign WR A.J. Green

Cardinals sign DE/DT J.J. Watt

Team Needs:

Center: Protecting Kyler Murray is the greatest priority. The Cardinals have a couple of holes up front, including center. Traded for Rodney Hudson
Guard: Upgrading one of the guard spots is important as well. J.R. Sweezy is a free agent-to-be, but he can’t be trusted to stay healthy. Signed Brian Winters
Two Cornerbacks: Defensively, the Cardinals have many positions to fill. This includes cornerback, thanks in part to Patrick Peterson’s expiring contract. Signed Malcolm Butler and Darqueze Dennard
Defensive Tackle: Arizona struggled against the run last year, as evidenced by Jeff Wilson Jr. trampling them in a must-win Week 16 contest. Signed J.J. Watt
Linebacker: I’m not sure why Jordan Hicks failed in Arizona, but he’s been a huge bust signing. Another linebacker is needed to pair with Isaiah Simmons.
Running Back: Kenyan Drake’s contract expires in March, so the Cardinals will need to pursue a replacement if he leaves. Signed James Conner
Wide Receiver: If Larry Fitzgerald opts to retire, Arizona will need a third receiver to go along with DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk. Signed A.J. Green
Tight End: Dan Arnold is an impending free agent, but Arizona may have wanted an upgrade anyway.
Offensive Tackle Depth: A good backup will be needed behind the two tackles if Kelvin Beachum departs. Re-signed Kelvin Beachum
Backup Quarterback: The Cardinals need to carry a backup quarterback because Kyler Murray might be injury-prone. Signed Colt McCoy
Kicker: Lil’Zane Gonzalez will need to be replaced if he leaves via free agency. Signed Matt Prater
Punter: Andy Lee is also an impending free agent. Re-signed Andy Lee

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2021 NFL Free Agent Signings:

J.J. Watt, DE/DT, Texans. Age: 32.
Signed with Cardinals

The Texans somehow didn’t obtain any assets for J.J. Watt. This means that three of the four pillars of their franchise – Watt, DeAndre Hopkins and Jadeveon Clowney t go along with Deshaun Watson – were moved for the sum of two second-day picks, decrepit running back David Johnson and Jacob Martin. Unreal. Watt turns 32 in March, so his 20-sack days are clearly behind him, but he was still terrific last year. He’s a great short-term signing because he can help a team get over the top and win the Super Bowl with his talent and leadership.
Matt Prater, K, Lions. Age: 37.
Signed with Cardinals (2 years)

Matt Prater is coming off his worst season since his second year in the NFL. He was 21-of-28, but should be able to rebound.
Darqueze Dennard, CB, Falcons. Age: 29.
Signed with Cardinals

Darqueze Dennard is a talented cornerback who can play both outside and in the slot. However, he has a dubious injury history. He missed half of 2020 with a hamstring, and he’s played a full season just once in his career.
Malcolm Butler, CB, Titans. Age: 31.
Signed with Cardinals

Malcolm Butler is a solid cornerback, but he didn’t quite live up to his 5-year contract, so he was cut for financial purposes. He just turned 31, so a decline is coming soon.
Brian Winters, G, Bills. Age: 30.
Signed with Cardinals

Brian Winters did a solid job filling in for injured Buffalo guards this past season.
James Conner, RB, Steelers. Age: 26.
Signed with Cardinals (1 year)

James Conner has started the past few years, but he’s been one of the worst starting backs in the NFL in that span.
A.J. Green, WR, Bengals. Age: 33. — Signed with Cardinals (1 year, $8 million)
Xavier Williams, DT, Bengals. Age: 29. — Signed with Cardinals
Shawn Williams, S, Bengals. Age: 30. — Signed with Cardinals (1 year)
Daryl Worley, CB, Raiders. Age: 26. — Signed with Cardinals
Colt McCoy, QB, Giants. Age: 34. — Signed with Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Hassan Reddick, DE/OLB, Cardinals. Age: 26.
Signed with Panthers

The Cardinals finally figured out how to use Hassan Reddick last year. Reddick failed as an off-line linebacker prior to 2020, but Arizona put him on the edge, where he thrived. Reddick notched 12.5 sacks as a result.
Patrick Peterson, CB, Cardinals. Age: 31.
Signed with Vikings (1 year, $10 million)

Patrick Peterson slowed down last year, as he clearly wasn’t the same dominant corner as usual. Age is becoming an issue, though at 31, Peterson could still have some good years remaining.
Kelvin Beachum, OT, Cardinals. Age: 32.
Re-signed with Cardinals (2 years)

Stepping in for an injured Marcus Gilbert, Kelvin Beachum had a solid year for the Cardinals. Beachum has an extensive injury, so he’s a risky signing, especially at his age.
Kenyan Drake, RB, Cardinals. Age: 27.
Signed with Raiders (2 years, $11 million)

Expectations were high for Kenyan Drake entering 2020, but he was a disappointment. He rushed for 955 yards and 10 touchdowns, but wasn’t involved much in the passing game and averaged for a meek 4.0 YPC.
Markus Golden, DE/OLB, Cardinals. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Cardinals (2 years, $9 million)

The Cardinals obtained Markus Golden from the Giants for a sixth-round pick in the middle of the 2020 season. He recorded 4.5 sacks, with that number not being indicative of his play.
Dan Arnold, TE, Cardinals. Age: 26.
Signed with Panthers (2 years, $6 million)

Dan Arnold came out of nowhere to have a quality year for the Cardinals. He caught 31 passes for 438 yards and four touchdowns.
Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Cardinals. Age: 32.
Dre Kirkpatrick took a step backward this past season, as he was frequently burned. However, he dealt with multiple injuries, so he could play better in 2021.
Chris Banjo, S, Cardinals. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Cardinals (1 year)

Usually just a core special-teamer, Chris Banjo stepped up and played safety well. However, he’s 31 now, so it’s unlikely he’ll play well on defense much longer.
Andy Lee, P, Cardinals. Age: 39.
Re-signed with Cardinals

Andy Lee was second in net punting in 2019, but dropped to 22nd in 2020. He’s nearing 40, so perhaps this fall wasn’t a fluke.
Zane Gonzalez, K, Cardinals. Age: 26.
Lil’Zane Gonzalez is coming off a down year. He was 31-of-35 in 2019, but was 16-of-22 last season.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals. Age: 38.
I’m only giving Larry Fitzgerald a write-up because he’s one of the greatest receivers of all time. However, he’s 38 and can no longer separate.
De’Vondre Campbell, LB, Cardinals. Age: 28. — Signed with Packers
J.R. Sweezy, G, Cardinals. Age: 32.
Robert Alford, CB, Cardinals. Age: 32. — Re-signed with Cardinals (1 year)
Johnathan Joseph, CB, Cardinals. Age: 37.
Angelo Blackson, DE/DT, Cardinals. Age: 28. — Signed with Bears
Corey Peters, DT, Cardinals. Age: 33.
Domata Peko, DT, Cardinals. Age: 36.
Darrell Daniels, TE, Cardinals. Age: 26.
Josh Mauro, DE/DT, Cardinals. Age: 30.
Tanner Vallejo, LB, Cardinals. Age: 26. — Re-signed with Cardinals (2 years)
Charles Washington, S, Cardinals. Age: 28.
Brett Hundley, QB, Cardinals. Age: 28.
Isaiah Irving, DE/OLB, Cardinals. Age: 27.