This offseason, the Arizona Cardinals did almost nothing to improve their offense. Clearly, they are relying on improvements or expanded roles for some players to bring their offense to a new level in 2025.
One player might be the key to making the Cardinals' offense click this season, and nobody is talking about him.
Greg Dortch could play a big role for the Cardinals in 2025
In the weeks leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, there was plenty of buzz around the Cardinals potentially using their first-round pick on a wide receiver. Names like Matthew Golden and Emeka Egbuka were consistently linked to Arizona.
About a week before the draft kicked off, the Cardinals gave a signal that fans and experts should have taken notice of. Arizona extended wide receiver Greg Dortch on a one-year contract. It's a minor deal for a role player, but the message was loud and clear: the Cardinals front office felt good about what they already had at receiver.
As fans and analysts (including us) have repeatedly brought up the need for another receiver, the Cardinals have stood firm. If the team ends up entering the 2025 season with their current receiving group, one player might have to step into an expanded role. That player could just be Greg Dortch.
While the Cardinals' receiving core in 2024 was better than it had been in years, it still lacked one important piece. Without a speedy receiver to stretch the field vertically, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride were often working with tight windows.
If the Cardinals hope to add a player to fit that role, they haven't done it yet. That could mean that Greg Dortch will have a new job in 2025.
For most of his young career in Arizona, Greg Dortch has been used as a "gadget player." The Cardinals use him in unique ways like screen passes, quick motions, and receiver handoffs. Dortch isn't often used as a real threat on typical routes. According to PFF, Dortch's average depth of target was just 4.2 yards last season.
But he has the tools to become something more. Greg Dortch shows the speed and explosiveness necessary to be a true deep threat in the NFL. Opposing defenses would have to respect his speed, forcing them to drop their zones deeper and open up holes underneath.
If Dortch can fill this new role in 2025, the Cardinals' offense could go from borderline top-ten to top five, setting the team up for the playoff run they so desperately want.