What if the Cardinals do not re-sign a single offensive star in 2022?

The Arizona Cardinals have a plethora of starters from the 2021 NFL Season set to become free agents. What if they don’t re-sign any of them?

Realistically, the Arizona Cardinals will bring back at least a few offensive starters. James Conner and Christian Kirk proved to be valuable assets to the team, and Chase Edmonds was effective when healthy. Maxx Williams was on-pace for a career season before a knee injury ended it, and Zach Ertz returned to his old form following a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles.

We’ll even say A.J. Green redeemed himself somewhat in NFL circles, showing moderate production as he heads deeper into his 30s. But, what if the Cardinals re-signed none of them?

In this scenario, we will explore what may happen if the Cardinals opt not to re-sign any of the above. However, we will act under the assumption Kyler Murray stays, and DeAndre Hopkins starts the season as the WR1.

Will the Arizona Cardinals add a crop of new offensive players in free agency?

We know general manager Steve Keim historically is not big on tight ends. Keim, however, loves bringing in moderately effective players based on their potential at a bargain price, hence Green and Conner. Look for him to sign two tight ends that won’t break the bank, players like Mo-Alie Cox and David Njoku.

If Keim goes big anywhere, it will be at wide receiver. He won’t get so ambitious as to try and sign someone like Davante Adams, who will probably play under the franchise tag in Green Bay. With Kirk out of the question in this scenario, Keim will go with a big-name player with experience like Allen Robinson.

Robinson had just 38 catches in 12 games last season, but his quarterback situation was disastrous. In 2019 and 2020, he averaged 100 receptions and scored 13 touchdowns. He will line up well with Hopkins.

And finally, running back. Here, Keim would both look to his current running back on the roster in Eno Benjamin to move into the RB2 role. Then, he’ll look to the middle rounds of the draft to snag a sleeper. Let’s get ambitious and snag Arizona State’s own Rachaad White. While White saw limited touches in college, his production in both the running and passing game was among college football’s best.

So, expect Keim to look toward free agency to fill the receiver and tight end positions. Then look for him to revert to the draft for some fresh legs at running back. Expect productive players or those with the potential for big production who won’t break the bank.