Important offseason decisions ahead for Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
It appears that once again the offensive line will need to be addressed. If D.J.Humphries can continue to play well at left tackle, perhaps he can remain there. Jared Veldheer could then be moved to right tackle, a position where he could be even more productive at.
With center A.Q.Shipley playing in the final year of his current deal, rookie Evan Boehm will be expected to take over. Mike Iupati will presumably be back at left guard. There will be a hole at right guard that could be filled by Cincinnati Bengals’ upcoming free agent, Kevin Zeitler.
There’s a possibility that management decides to let wide receiver Michael Floyd walk. He has not had a good season, and his chronic inconsistency remains a huge problem. It’s possible that another team will feel a change of scenery is what Floyd needs, and will overpay for him.
Tight end Jermaine Gresham has been balling lately. He’s playing on a one-year deal after turning down a muli-year deal from another club this past offseason. Perhaps his loyalty is rewarded with a long-term deal from the Cards this time around.
Safeties Tony Jefferson and D.J.Swearinger have both played well enough to be brought back next season. However, the team already has Tyrann Mathieu and Tyvon Branch under contract for 2017. With that kind of money invested in the position, it’s doubtful both Jefferson AND Swearinger will return.
Marcus Cooper and Tharold Simon have helped solidify the cornerback position, but both are unrestricted free agents. One or both could be back in Arizona next season. Or the front office may decide to make a splash by bringing in a Trumaine Johnson or a Stephon Gilmore.
One last thought, which is actually a plea to management. Enough with punter Drew Butler. Bryan Anger and Britton Colquitt are both quality free agents, so please sign either one of them to replace Butler.