Arizona Cardinals 2021 free agency preview: addressing team needs
By Sion Fawkes
What the Arizona Cardinals must target on offense
Top needs: QB2, RB1, WR2, TE1, Guard, Right Tackle
Quite a list. But upon closer review, it’s less than you would think. Let’s start with QB2, where it’s clear that quarterback Chris Streveler played far more quarterback than he ever should in the NFL after that Week 17 debacle. You can expect the Cardinals to bring someone in to replace Streveler. Also, Brett Hundley is set to depart as a UFA. Tyrod Taylor or Jacoby Brissett would fit in well.
Kenyan Drake didn’t live up to the role of a featured back. But the Cardinals may already have an RB1 on the roster in Chase Edmonds. However, Edmonds struggled when thrust into the spotlight, and he best serves the team as part of a committee. You can also argue that Edmonds was the third most explosive player on offense in 2020 when he complemented Drake.
If Drake walks, look for the Cardinals to replace him in free agency. Someone like Chris Carson or Phillip Lindsay would be great.
Christian Kirk proved he can make plays. But not as a WR2. Also, if Larry Fitzgerald returns, he’s nothing more than a possession receiver in the slot. The Cardinals must look to free agency to find a receiver testing the market. The Cardinals don’t need to go all out and make a splash here, given the presence of DeAndre Hopkins. But if they can land someone like Sammy Watkins or Corey Davis, they will go a long way.
TE1 is another area of concern. Dan Arnold proved he wasn’t the guy, even if the Cardinals should keep him on as a TE2. Arnold made a few splash plays in 2020, but he will benefit from a true TE1. Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith head the TE class, and both would give Kyler Murray another puzzle piece.
The Cardinals also need help all over the offensive line. They had a revolving door at both guard spots and right tackle. Kendall Lamm is one highly underrated player the Cardinals could sign at a discount. Perhaps he’s not a full-time starter. But he’s fantastic insurance.
They really need to hit it big at guard, considering the unit’s free agency class. Brandon Scherff and Joe Thuney would be great puzzle pieces. However, the Cardinals would also benefit from guys like Jon Feliciano and Elijah Wilkinson.