Arizona Cardinals 2021 free agency preview: addressing team needs
By Sion Fawkes
What the Arizona Cardinals must target on special teams
Top Needs: K, P, RS
Just about everything except long-snapper, right? But hey, at least we don’t notice Aaron Brewer and for long-snapper, anonymity is synonymous with success.
Kickers Zane Gonzalez and Mike Nugent are UFAs. Gonzalez once again struggled with accuracy and even cost the Cardinals games in 2020. Nugent filled in later in the year, but age and lack of leg strength mean he’s likely called it a career.
The Cardinals may wait until after the draft to sign a kicker or two, or even draft one in the later rounds. However, if they want to address the position now, names like Cairo Santos and Cody Parkey are available. Younghoe Koo would also be great, but one would think the Atlanta Falcons will hold onto him. Santos and Parkey, however, may test the market.
The same can be said for punter. Andy Lee is 39 and he’s probably gone. But there are a few young names the Cardinals could snag for a bargain like Johnny Townsend and Corey Bojorquez. Both are RFA players, but the Cardinals should look into them.
The Cardinals would also love to improve their return game. So don’t be surprised if they sign a well-known return specialist. Jack-of-all-trades Cordarrelle Patterson is out there and he would make a fantastic upgrade to the return game.