The Cardinals explosive receiver is back for another year. As reported by Adam Schefter, Greg Dortch signed a restricted free-agent tender. The one-year deal is worth $3.3 million.
Dortch has shown flashes of electric play in his four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, but he's failed to take the reins as a true secondary pass catcher thus far. After Dortch's new deal, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will hope to see an increase in production from the speedy receiver.
Is Dortch ready to take the next step in his career?
Greg Dortch could be set for a bigger role after new deal
Greg Dortch did not have many believers at the start of his NFL career. After his collegiate career at Wake Forest, Dortch went undrafted and signed with the New York Jets. He was waived by the Jets before playing a snap in the regular season.
From there, Dortch signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He spent the 2021 season waiting for an opportunity to prove his worth. That opportunity came in 2022, when he caught 52 passes for 462 yards and two touchdowns.
In the seasons since, Dortch has maintained a similar level of production as Arizona's third or fourth pass catcher. In 2024, he was used primarily on screens and short passes, with an average depth of target of just 4.2 yards.
Dortch has carved out a role on special teams as well, with 28 kick and punt returns last season.
His one-year tender indicates that there could still be space for him to grow in the Cardinals offense. Dortch could grow from being a gadget player and return man into a true receiving threat.
Arizona's offense currently lacks a field-stretching deep threat. Primary options like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride often struggle to find open space because of the congestion the lack of speed in the offense creates.
Dortch could be Arizona's answer. With his explosiveness and twitchy route running, he could beat defenders over the top and add a new component to the offense.
A "breakout" for Dortch likely doesn't look like a Pro Bowl appearance. It would mean Dortch establishing himself as WR2 in Arizona's offense.
How does the Greg Dortch deal affect the Cardinals in the NFL Draft?
The Arizona Cardinals have been a rumored landing spot for a few explosive receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft. Most notably, Texas Longhorn Matthew Golden has often been projected to go to the Cardinals with the 16th pick.
Greg Dortch, especially on a relatively inexpensive deal, does not keep the Cardinals from drafting a receiver in the early rounds.
He does alleviate some of the pressure on Monti Ossenfort to draft a receiver early.
This move, like many of the others the Cardinals have made this offseason, allows the team to have full flexibility in the NFL Draft.