Arizona Cardinals could pursue second-tier wide receivers

The Arizona Cardinals may be able to add some reinforcements to the wide receivers room without spending a whole lot of cash

Fans of the Arizona Cardinals received some good news last week. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, after taking some time to think about it, announced that he’ll be coming back to join his teammates for another season. The 35-year old’s numbers were down in 2018, but the hiring of head coach Kliff Kingsbury has brought renewed hope for the squad’s offense going forward.

While the return of Fitzgerald helps, the Cards could certainly use some more help at the position. Christian Kirk is coming off of a productive rookie campaign, but the rest of the depth chart leaves a lot to be desired. Trent Sherfield may be worth keeping around, but Chad Williams and J.J. Nelson may have to find new homes.

There are several wideouts scheduled to become free agents who could probably be signed at a reasonable rate. Second-tier players who could quite possibly give the Cardinals what they need at the spot.

Phillip Dorsett, a first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts back in 2015, has yet to live up to his draft status. The 5’10,192 pounder did make some impressive plays for the New England Patriots during the last two years that have got him noticed. Dorsett has a chance to market himself even more this coming Sunday, when the Pats meet the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.

Cole Beasley has spent the last seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, but may be ready to move on. The 29-year old hauled in 65 passes for 672 yards and three touchdowns in 2018. Beasley is a bit undersized (5’8,180), but would appear to be an excellent fit for Kingsbury’s “Air Raid Offense”.

Jordan Matthews tallied 225 receptions, 2,673 receiving yards and 19 scores during his first three campaigns in the NFL. The 6’3, 215 pounder’s production has dropped over the past two years, however. Could the two-time Philadelphia Eagle

look to revitalize his career with a fresh start in Arizona?

Kelvin Benjamin, a former first-round pick of the Carolina Panthers, would be an intriguing addition for the Cards. The 6’5, 245 pounder has also spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs since he entered the league in 2014. Benjamin has racked up 209 catches, 3,021 yards and 20 touchdowns in 61 career appearances.

One final candidate worth mentioning is Donte Moncrief. The 6’2, 216 pounder was selected by the Indianapolis Colts during the third round of the ’14 draft. In five professional seasons, Moncrief has tallied 200 receptions, 2,543 yards and 21 scores.