Cardinals address a need at wideout by retaining A.J. Green

Wide receiver A.J. Green provides insurance for the Arizona Cardinals at a position that has suddenly become a question mark.

Heading into the past week, the Arizona Cardinals roster featured a pronounced lack of depth at the wide receiver spot. Thanks to an acquisition made by the front office on Thursday, the team’s situation at wideout is looking a little bit better.

It’s been announced that veteran A.J. Green has agreed to a one-year contract that will keep him in the desert for another campaign. According to azcardinals.com, the deal includes $3 million guaranteed, with incentives that could pay Green as much as $6 million by the end of the season.

It looks as if Green may have experienced a colder than expected free-agent market, with the Cards apparently delivering the best offer. The seven-time Pro Bowler is coming off his best performance since 2017 when he was in his seventh year with the Cincinnati Bengals. In his 16 appearances (nine starts) last fall, Green totaled 54 receptions for 848 yards and three touchdowns for Arizona.

Arizona Cardinals could look for more help at wideout in the coming months

Last month, the club took a hit at the wide receiver position when Christian Kirk was lured away by the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the return of Green certainly helps, the Cardinals could look to add another pass-catcher or two before the regular season gets underway in September.

The Cards hold the 23rd-overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, and there’s been talk that Keim could use the pick on a receiver. Some first-round possibilities include Alabama’s Jameson Williams, Ohio State’s Chris Olave, Penn State’s Jahan Dotson, and North Dakota State’s Christian Watson.

Arizona could also elect to delve back into free agency for another addition at wideout. Remaining options include Julio Jones, Will Fuller, Odell Beckham Jr., and Cole Beasley.

Green joins a Cardinals receiving corps that is comprised of DeAndre Hopkins, Rondale Moore, Antoine Wesley, Andy Isabella, and Greg Dortch. It’s the same exact group from 2021, minus Kirk, of course. Keim seems to believe in continuity, but adding some new blood to the mix could never hurt.