Arizona Cardinals: 10 targeted 2017 free agents

By Scott Allen | Feb 28, 2017

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) and linebacker James Harrison (92) against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans punter Shane Lechler (9) punts the ball during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Shane Lechler

2016 team: Houston Texans

One of the most talked about positions on the Cardinals roster last season was punter. Think about that for a moment. When that happens, it is time to seriously evaluate your personnel.

The Cardinals dropped punter Drew Butler last season, finally. They brought in Matt Wile but he doesn’t seem like the long term solution.

This is where Shane Lechler comes in. He had a 47.5-yard-per-punt-average in 2016. That is a number you can not dismiss.

His current team, the Houston Texans, have said they want him back. He is about to enter his 18th NFL season. The Cardinals could use him for a couple of years while they continue to find a long-term solution.

For now the Cardinals need a reliable guy that can provide much needed field position as they try to make another run at the Super Bowl. His career average is also 47.5-yards-per-punt. That should be all the Cardinals need to know.

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