The Arizona Cardinals have some promising young offensive weapons in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, but experts believe the team will need more to get back to the postseason. That’s why the Cardinals were recently named as the perfect fit for veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, who’s still available as a free agent.
In an ESPN piece by NFL writer Matt Bowen, he named the best team fits for the top remaining free agents, as well as trade candidates. The first player listed was Allen, and Bowen argued that a partnership with Arizona would benefit both sides. The Cardinals would add a six-time Pro Bowler that’s still playing at a productive level, and Allen will join a team where he could play an important role, showing how much he still has left in the tank.
"Allen isn't as dynamic of a mover at this late stage of his career, but the 33-year-old showed with Chicago that he's still a crafty route runner who can make himself available to the quarterback. In Arizona, Allen could carve out a role as a chain-moving option for Kyler Murray.Matt Bowen (ESPN)
Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. are Murray's top two targets, so Allen would compete with Zay Jones and Michael Wilson for reps. Despite a heel injury keeping him out of two games in 2024, Allen finished with at least 60 receptions for the eighth straight season."
Cardinals named as the best team fit for Keenan Allen
Allen, 33, has been one of the league’s most productive receivers since entering the NFL back in 2013. Just two seasons ago, his final year with the Los Angeles Chargers, he recorded 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games, and was also named to the Pro Bowl. The veteran wideout played for a different team for the first time in his career in 2024, joining the Chicago Bears, and he still was productive in 15 games, catching 70 passes for 744 yards and another seven touchdowns.
Now, he remains on the market as one of the best veteran options, and will surely be able to contribute a lot to whatever team signs him. The Cardinals definitely make sense as an option. At times throughout the 2024 season, Arizona’s offense disappeared. Adding a reliable receiver to the roster can help prevent that.
With young wideouts like Greg Dortch and Michael Wilson still working to establish themselves, as well as Harrison, Allen will have the chance to be WR2 in the Cardinals offense. Of course, Harrison in year two will be the top guy, but the Allen that was on the field in Chicago last season could easily be No. 2 in Arizona. With Trey McBride still dominating at tight end, the Cardinals could have an elite trio of pass catchers for Kyler Murray.