Arizona Cardinals need to improve receiving options
By Jim Koch
Finding some talented young receivers for quarterback Josh Rosen should be high on the to-do list of the Arizona Cardinals
The 2019 offseason is going to be a busy time for the Arizona Cardinals’ personnel department. It’s no secret that this team needs help across the board. That’s not unexpected from a team that has won once in seven weeks and seems to be getting worse.
The wide receiver spot is one area of the squad that will certainly need reinforcements. Supplying quarterback Josh Rosen with talented people to throw to should be a priority. There are even a couple of options who could be available via the trade route, if Cards’ general manager Steve Keim is willing to make a deal.
It appears as if the Oakland Raiders are ready to part ways with a former first-round pick of theirs. Amari Cooper, selected fourth-overall in the 2015 draft, has apparently fell out of favor with head coach Jon Gruden. At just 24 years of age, it stands to reason that Cooper could still have a nice career ahead of him.
The former University of Alabama standout burst onto the NFL scene three years ago, earning Pro Bowl invitations following each of his first two seasons. Cooper posted his best numbers in 2016, when he tallied 83 receptions for 1,153 yards and five touchdowns. Through six games in 2018, the 6’1, 211 pounder has hauled in 22 passes for 280 yards and one score.
Another wideout who may be on the trading block is the Miami Dolphins DeVante Parker. The 6’3, 216 pounder was selected with the 14th-overall pick of the 2015 draft. Parker has caught 141 balls for 1,948 yards and eight touchdowns since turning pro.
The Cardinals have gotten very little out of the position thus far in ’18. Rookie Christian Kirk, who leads the squad in receptions (28) and yards (368), has been the only bright spot. Larry Fitzgerald is finally showing his age, Chad Williams has been disappointing and J.J. Nelson’s career has taken a nosedive.
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Both Cooper and Parker have underachieved this year, but perhaps a change of scenery will do them good. This season is obviously a lost cause for Arizona. But orchestrating a trade that’ll give your young passer another weapon is a step towards improving for the future.