The Arizona Cardinals have a number of unrestricted free agents this offseason. They also have a few who are restricted. One is receiver Trent Sherfield.
Will he be back in 2021?
Sherfield was again a special teams ace but saw the smallest offensive of his career. After playing in 343 offensive snaps in 2018 as a rookie and 257 in 2019, that number dropped to only 79 last season. He caught five passes for 50 yards. Four of them came in the season finale when he was a starter, as Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk both did not play.
He had 10 special teams tackles and also recovered three fumbles, playing in 222 special teams snaps.
He is one of three restricted free agents who play big roles on special teams.
The lowest restricted free agent tender is expected to be more than $2.1 million. That is a lot to use on a special teamer who might only be the fourth or fifth receiver on the team.
However, with almost all their key special teams players entering free agency, some continuity would be nice.
Sherfield is elite on special teams. Is he ready to take on a greater load offensively?
If not, he could come back, but do not expect to see the team use one of the tenders. He will have to sign a deal worth less than that.
Sherfield’s 2021 return: questionable
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