Grading the Cardinals six biggest roster acquisitions in 2021
By Sion Fawkes
A.J. Green – WR
I criticized the Cardinals for signing A.J. Green back in March. However, in hindsight, Green had a better year than I thought. Sure, you can blame him for blowing the Green Bay game – although had the Cardinals played better football, they never would have been in that situation – but he had a decent year for a player supposedly on the decline.
Green logged 54 receptions in 16 games on 92 targets, posting a 58.7 percent catch rate. Green also posted his highest yards per reception average (15.7) since his rookie season, showing he’s still a deep threat. And while his skills have diminished, Green can spend the remainder of his career in a niche role.
Should Green Stay?
I’ll keep him around another season. Especially with DeAndre Hopkins coming off of an injury and Rondale Moore posting a so-so rookie year. While the Cardinals should do everything to bring back Christian Kirk and keep him at the WR2 spot, Green makes for a solid insurance policy.
2021 Grade: C+
Green stepped in and played well in a role Larry Fitzgerald left empty. His performance was not eye-popping, but he provides better depth at this stage in his career than most.