Throughout the offseason, the Arizona Cardinals have been praised for their expert retooling of the defensive roster. The Cardinals' defense has been transformed more than almost any other unit in the NFL over the last few months. General manager Monti Ossenfort deserves the applause he’s received this offseason, but one of his most important moves is going unnoticed, and it’s not on defense.
Simi Fehoko signing could be one of the Arizona Cardinals most underrated offseason moves
In the midst of a slew of headline-grabbing free-agent signings, the Arizona Cardinals quietly made one move that could have a major impact on their offense in 2025. Arizona signed former Los Angeles Chargers receiver Simi Fehoko to a one-year contract.
Simi Fehoko has seen very limited playing time in his three seasons in the NFL. The former Dallas Cowboys fifth-round draft pick has never had more than six catches in a season. In all of 2024, he had just 106 receiving yards. He earned most of his snaps with the Chargers on special teams.
So, how can a forgotten fifth-round pick with minimal production make an immediate impact for the Arizona Cardinals? Fehoko is stepping into a shallow receiver room with roles ready to be filled.
Two years ago, the Arizona Cardinals' receiving core was barren. As the Hollywood Brown experiment fizzled out, the team was left without a primary pass catcher for Kyler Murray to throw to. Since then, Trey McBride has emerged as a superstar tight end and Marvin Harrsion Jr. has stepped in as a No. 1 receiver. Still, the Cardinals are in need of more receiving help. Michael Wilson, Zay Jones, and Greg Dortch are functional players, but they are limited in their usage.
Simi Fehoko could fill an entirely new role in the Cardinals' offense. For all of his limitations, Fehoko is an excellent blocker. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will be able to use Fehoko in creative ways, moving him around the field to create ideal blocking angles. This addition could help to make an already efficient rushing attack one of the most dangerous in the NFL.
Fehoko's size makes him a unique threat in the passing game, too. At 6'4" and over 215 pounds, he is able to use his frame to box out defenders.
If nothing else, Simi Fehoko will be a valuable addition to the Arizona Cardinals special teams units. If he can carve out a role on offense, this could end up being one of the most underrated moves of the NFL offseason.