Following two months of numerous roster changes and additions, the Arizona Cardinals still possess a great need that will need to be approached ahead of Week 1.
Offseason Additions
Arizona made several offseason moves, improving their overall roster significantly in both free agency and through the draft.
Yet, the team has not done nearly enough to address its depth issues at the wide receiver position.
The selection of generational receiver prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. is monumental for this offense and he will immediately step in as the team’s WR1. In addition, they added former Titans receiver Chris Moore, UAB sixth-round pick and contested-catch specialist Tejhaun Palmer, as well as bringing back fan-favorite slot receiver Greg Dorch.
The talent in this wide receiver room continues to be deeply scarce outside of Harrison Jr.
Deciding to trade the versatile Rondale Moore for a backup quarterback was a move that many continue to question. Arizona correspondingly lost QB Kyler Murray’s close friend Marquise Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.
Lack of Experience
While there is a ton of potential in this corp with Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Dorch, Moore, and Palmer — it remains one of the most inexperienced groups in the league.
Moore is the veteran of the group right now at 30 years old and having eight seasons played in the NFL. However, it is unlikely that he will start over the young guys and more veteran presence is still needed.
Rising star tight end Trey McBride will help pick up the wide receiver room’s slack but he also has just two years of experience.
When asked about the group’s youth and lack of experience, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing emphasized how important his and the other coaches’ role is in developing these youthful players.
“Ultimately I think that’s our job as coaches,” Petzing said. “We got to make sure that we’re making ourselves available, giving them what they need to learn, produce, and grow as players.”
Potential Targets
The majority of talent in free agency is long gone. However, there are still several receivers that would be a great fit for Arizona right now.
Highlighting the list is Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd, who has eight seasons played and has solidified himself as one of the most reliable and efficient slot receivers in the league. Boyd remains an unrestricted free agent and is waiting for the right offer before signing.
Another option is former Offensive Player of the Year and record-setting Saints receiver Michael Thomas. While Thomas has been unable to stay on the field over the last few seasons, he would immediately become a starter and bolster Arizona’s offense if healthy.
Some additional players currently available include route running specialist Hunter Renfrow, two-time Super Bowl champion Marquez Valdes-Scantling, former pro bowler Allen Robinson, and former second-round pick Zay Jones.
These may not seem like great talents at this part of their careers, but the addition would be more for experience and teaching the young guys than anything else.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort and the team could also browse the trade market for potential big-time available targets such as Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton, or division-rival 49ers receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
Overall, this is a much-improved team and offense that will make Murray’s life much easier. As we have seen time and time again — veteran leadership is needed in every position group regardless of how talented it may be.
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