Top 3 resolutions for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023
By Sion Fawkes
The Arizona Cardinals have had a horrific 2022, and it is a season they would love to place in the rear view mirror and move forward.
The Arizona Cardinals have got to find a way to show fans that 2022 was an outlier following two moderately successful seasons that saw the Redbirds arrow pointing north. But to do this, they can’t keep making the same mistakes.
Therefore, I have three resolutions the Cardinals should make for 2023 to prevent a repeat from this past season. And if done properly, these resolutions could see the team make a quick turnaround 365 days from today.
1 – Draft for NEED
This is the captain obvious resolution. During the Steve Keim era, the Arizona Cardinals have always drafted for glamor except on a few occasions. While the Keim era may or may not be over, either way, the Redbirds must start drafting for need.
Sure, Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins are coming into their own. Kyler Murray still has a chance to show he can be the franchise quarterback, and even Trey McBride has started to come around. But sooner or later, the Cardinals need to stop drafting for glamor and start drafting for need.
2 – Sign free agents as stopgaps
This also includes trading for veterans. In short, no more giving up first or even mid round picks for veterans or bringing them in wen the Redbirds could be using those picks to draft players with the intent of keeping them here for at least a decade. That said, it would be great to see the Arizona Cardinals use the NFL Draft for their biggest needs, while they can sign free agents as stopgaps.
As for the free agents they sign in 2023? Whoever is in the Cardinals front office needs to plan on replacing them as early as the following draft, or at the latest, the 2025 draft.
3 – Change the culture
This is probably the biggest resolution on the list. Since 1947, the Arizona Cardinals culture has been nothing but perpetual losing sans a few outliers. That needs to change starting in 2023.
Of course, firing Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury would be a great place to start. Then, owner Michael Bidwill could bring in an established coach and general manager keen to take on the challenge of turning the NFL’s oldest franchise into a winner.
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Whether it’s Sean Payton, Frank Reich, or even a familiar face like Byron Leftwich, someone needs to come in who will generate fan interest. And hiring one of the three of the aforementioned names would be a great place to start.
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