5 most improved Arizona Cardinals during the 2021 season

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Christian Kirk
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Christian Kirk /
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Arizona Cardinals
(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) Arizona Cardinals /

Christian Kirk – WR

If there’s one player the Cardinals MUST re-sign, it’s Christian Kirk. With 77 receptions on 103 targets, Kirk’s 74.8 percent catch rate shattered his previous high of 63.2 percent, which occurred during his rookie season. And while he didn’t find the end zone as often, his 982 receiving yards were nearly 300 more than the 709 he attained during his second season.

Kirk was never one you could call a draft bust. But he also underperformed as a former second-round draft pick until 2021. Now, he’s a WR2 in a worst-case scenario. And with A.J. Green and potentially Zach Ertz leaving the desert, the Cardinals need a few reliable pass catchers for 2022. And Kirk will help out whoever lines up under center come Week 1.

A not-so-bold prediction? In 2022, Kirk re-signs with the Cardinals and subsequently logs 80 receptions for 1,000-plus yards.