Potential salary bargains for the 2019 Arizona Cardinals

There are several players who could contribute to the Arizona Cardinals without costing them much of their salary cap room

Not everything the Arizona Cardinals’ front office did in 2018 went awry. For one thing, general manager Steve Keim was credited with a very good draft class. The Cards also made a few in-season pickups who could actually be a big help to them going forward.

Several of the club’s acquisitions from last year were brought in at cut-rate prices. Those roster additions could have significant roles in ’19, and will be paid what’s considered “peanuts” in the world of NFL salaries.

One such player is wide receiver Christian Kirk, Arizona’s second-round draft pick from last season. The Texas A&M University product, who impressed onlookers with his sure hands and breakaway speed, is due to make just $747,948 this fall. Kirk is firmly entrenched as the squad’s number-two wideout, after tallying 43 receptions for 590 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games (seven starts).

Another second-year contributor who’s under contract at an extremely reasonable rate is Mason Cole. The 22-year old started all 16 contests at center for the Cards last year, filling in for an injured A.Q. Shipley (torn ACL). Cole more than held his own as a rookie, and is scheduled to make just $570,000 in his sophomore campaign.

There’s another second-year offensive lineman who could earn significant playing time in ’19. The Cardinals’ right tackle position is currently vacant, and Korey Cunningham will be given an oppurtunity to man the post. The seventh-round pick, who registered six starts last fall, will earn just $570,000 this year.

David Amerson was a mid-season pickup in ’18 who has a good chance of being Arizona’s nickel cornerback for the upcoming campaign. The 27-year old racked up 21 tackles, an interception and two pass breakups in six appearances (five starts) for Big Red. Amerson is slated to make a very team-friendly $805,000 this season.

One last member of the Cards worth mentioning is placekicker Zane Gonzalez. The 23-year old was signed last November, replacing injured veteran Phil Dawson. If Gonzalez retains the job this year, he’ll be paid just $645,000, a pittance compared to the $2.5 million that Dawson was making.