Looking ahead to the Arizona Cardinals 2017 offseason
By Jim Koch
GM Steve Keim will be facing many tough decisions
For this Arizona Cardinals fan the 2016 opener cannot come soon enough. This is one stacked roster. There have been nice additions, Chandler Jones, Evan Mathis, and Robert Nkemdiche among them.
Subtractions were minuscule. Bobby Massie, Rashad Johnson and Ted Larsen were the biggest names. Good players but by no means studs.
The 2017 offseason, well, that’s gonna be a different story. There will be some very good players comprising the unrestricted free agent list. The salary cap will more than likely prohibit the front office from bringing everyone back. The best we can hope for is that Keim minimizes the losses.
So let’s look ahead. I made a list of some names that decisions will need to be made on. To say they have their work cut out for them is putting it mildly.
WR Larry Fitzgerald – The Hollywood script reads the Cards win the Super Bowl and Fitz rides off into the sunset with a ring ( a’ la Peyton Manning ). If that doesn’t happen he could return, either as a Cardinal or ( pains me to say it) with another team.
DE Calais Campbell – My heart says the big guy needs to remain in Arizona. Thing is, he may need to give the organization a hometown discount to stick around beyond this season.
S Tyrann Mathieu- Hopefully this contract gets done soon. It’s a little tricky even though we’re talking about 1 of the best defensive backs in the NFL. What makes it tricky is the injury history. To get this contract taken care of early will be a huge help.
Edge rusher Chandler Jones, recently acquired from the New England Patriots, is a big one. Gave up Johnathan Cooper and more importantly a 2nd round draft pick to get him. He’s most likely just entering his prime. Pass rushers like Jones don’t grow on trees, Keim’s gonna have to pony up on this one. He’s most certainly a candidate for the franchise tag if a long term deal can’t be reached right away.
WR Michael Floyd – Another tricky one. I get a feeling Floyd and his agent are gonna ask for more than the Cards are willing to pay. Personally I want him back but I also understand there’s a limit on what he should get.
G Evan Mathis- The guy hasn’t played a down yet in Cardinal red and I already want him back. Age, health and contract demands will dictate his return
RB Andre Ellington – When healthy he’s had some good games. But with David Johnson on the precipice of stardom I just don’t see them making a strong effort to keep him around. Good chance this is his final year in Arizona.