Grading the Cardinals six biggest roster acquisitions in 2021

The Arizona Cardinals signed some notable free agents in March 2021. With the season in hindsight, lets’ see how they (and two trade acquisitions) fared.

The Arizona Cardinals went the experience route in free agency starting in March 2021. They also made headlines with a blockbuster trade for center Rodney Hudson. Now with the season in the books, let’s see how each notable Arizona free agent and trade acquisition fared in 2021 and whether they should stick around for 2022.

I’ll cover other noteworthy signees like J.J. Watt, plus one notable player acquired during the season, like Zach Ertz. I won’t cover players who didn’t stick to the roster or, in the case of Malcolm Butler, retired before stepping onto the field.

I also won’t cover anyone who didn’t receive adequate playing time. So Colt McCoy will not appear on this list.

And while a first-round playoff exit and cataclysmic meltdown defined the Cardinals’ 2021 season, did the acquisitions (or losses) of those added to the roster help or hinder the Cardinals. Let’s find out, starting with the biggest signee added in 2021.