Cole Beasley could man the slot for the Cardinals in 2022

The Arizona Cardinals front office could look to pull off a trade that would add Buffalo Bills receiver Cole Beasley to the squad’s offense in 2022.

If recent rumblings prove to be correct, the Arizona Cardinals may be on the lookout for a wide receiver who can operate from the slot in the team’s “Air Raid” offense. Word has it that Christian Kirk, the Scottsdale native who manned that spot for the Cards in 2021, could be highly-coveted when free agency gets underway next week.

A possibility exists that Kirk will get an offer from another organization that the Cardinals will be unable, or unwilling, to match. If that occurs, there’s a trade that general manager Steve Keim could pursue that could drop a replacement for the 25-year-old pass-catcher squarely into Arizona’s lap.

According to reports, the Buffalo Bills have given veteran Cole Beasley permission to seek a trade. Throughout his NFL career, the 5-foot-8,174-pounder has done a fabulous job from the slot. Would Keim have any interest in having Beasley work from that position for the Cards next season?

Buffalo Bills WR Cole Beasley would be a fine fit for the Arizona Cardinals “Air Raid” offense

Since he entered the league as an undrafted free agent of the Dallas Cowboys back in 2012, Beasley has built a reputation as one of pro football’s best third-down receivers. The former Southern Methodist University product is also an outstanding red-zone threat. The Redbirds struggled mightily in that area last fall when DeAndre Hopkins was sidelined by a knee injury in week 14.

Beasley, with a $7.6 million salary-cap hit for next season, would not be coming to the Cardinals cheap. Even so, that figure could be significantly less than what Kirk will be paid in 2022.

Compensation for the 32-year-old Beasley should be no more than a late-round pick. At the moment, Arizona has just five selections to use during April’s draft. However, the club is projected to be awarded three compensatory choices sometime this month.

A breakup between the Cards and Kirk could be on the horizon. If that occurs, the sure-handed Beasley would certainly be a solid contingency plan for Keim and his cohorts.