Well, it finally happened. Steve Keim made a free agency move to acquire another wide receiver to pair up with quarterback Kyler Murray but it probably wasn’t who Arizona Cardinals fans thought the team should pursue.
That’s right. Former Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green is now an Arizona Cardinal. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it is a one-year deal worth $6 million guaranteed and up to $8.5 million with incentives.
A.J. Green is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million, including $6 million guaranteed, with the Arizona Cardinals, per source. https://t.co/YchGNvviAw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2021
The Arizona Cardinals have been searching for a WR2 and many assumed they would make a move in free agency. Amongst the most commonly mentioned names were Curtis Samuel and Juju Smith-Schuster. However, in classic Steve Keim fashion an incredibly talented, albeit aging A.J. Green will be coming to the Valley.
Age and injury history will undoubtedly be a talking point as Green has missed 32 games since the 2014, missing the entirety of the 2019 season.
In 2020, he caught 47 passes on 104 targets for 523 yards, less than Christian Kirk who will assumedly be pushed down to WR3 with Green’s addition.
However, Green’s storied career does speak for itself and for years he was widely considered one of the most talented wide receivers in the National Football League. SInce being drafted by Cincinnati in 2011, he has accumulated 9,430 yards and is currently #56 in all-time receiving yards.
Whether he can bounce back from injuries and a down 2020 season is something yet to be seen but it seems the Arizona Cardinals believe the soon-to-be 33 year old receiver still has some gas left in the tank.
Of course, this signing also brings up the looming issue of Larry Fitzgerald and whether or not he decides to retire. Do you think this signing means Larry Legend will be hanging up his cleats? Let us know.