Predicting 2016 Arizona Cardinals TE depth chart
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals may have a tight end spot to fill depending on what they do with Jermaine Gresham
The Arizona Cardinals will be quiet for the most part when it comes to free agency and their offensive skill positions. Not much needs to change there, although they may have one roster spot open if they decide not to pursue re-signing Jermaine Gresham.
Gresham, signed in the offseason from the Cincinnati Bengals, has been a bit of a disappointment. He got off to slow start though with the Cardinals last training camp. He was coming off a back surgery but did manage to get back to play in 15 games. In 12 starts though he only had 18 receptions. He never really got into the flow of the offense and for that reason only scored one touchdown in 2015.
If the Cardinals do not re-sign Gresham and let someone else snatch him up in the free agency market, the Cardinals may be alright without making any additions, although given the injury issues at the position, it would behoove the Cardinals to add depth there if they don’t re-sign Gresham.
The Cardinals will get back rookie Gerald Christian and Ifeyani Momah, who both looked very promising in training camp last August only to both be lost for the season. They could be the additions the Cardinals make without having to find another free agent or make a draft pick.
Here is what the tight end depth chart, as of right now, should look come September if they do re-sign Gresham:
Darren Fells
Jermaine Gresham
Troy Niklas
Ifeyani Momah
Gerald Christian
Fells had 21 receptions in 14 games played in 2015. He scored three touchdowns. With all of the weapons they had on offense, it was hard to spread the ball around. It seemed Fells made the big play when needed and although he only had just three more receptions than Gresham, seemed to be around the action more.
Niklas is a great blocker and always a great asset to have and Momah and Christian both have great potential. Five tight ends do seem like a lot to keep, especially if they decide to keep an extra receiver. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next several months.