Category: Arizona Cardinals offseason

Report: Cardinals add Jim Dray to coaching staff

The former Cardinals tight end spent 2018 with the Cleveland Browns under Freddie Kitchens.

The Arizona Cardinals have not announced any firings or additions to their coaching staff but one name is being reported as joining Kliff Kingsbury’s staff for 2020. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Jim Dray has been hired by the Cardinals.

Dray, a former tight end who was drafted by the Cardinals and played four years for them, was offensive quality control coach for the Cleveland Browns under head coach Freddie Kitchens, who was let go after one season. It was Dray’s first season as a coach.

Dray was not retained but apparently returns to Arizona.

Five coaches on Kingsbury’s were not brought back for 2020. Dray could be replacing Randall McCray as assistant special teams coach. Dray was a solid special teams player for the Cardinals in his career. The Cardinals also have a vacancy as assistant wide receivers coach, assistant strength and conditioning coach and two defensive slots.

Dray played in the NFL from 2010-2017. He was a seventh-round pick of the Cardinals in 2010. He played four years for Arizona, two for the Browns and then split time between the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers in 2016, appearing in only six games.

He returned to the Cardinals for one game in 2017.

[vertical-gallery id=428692]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 255

[protected-iframe id=”5a077b6c80e43549964e9cb25d81401e-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21468690/download.mp3″ ]

Ep. 254

[protected-iframe id=”cf5e5fef1c00053a25fea0111e1875e9-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21222569/download.mp3″ ]

 

2 Cardinals make ESPN’s top-50 free agent list

Kenyan Drake and D.J. Humphries will be coveted free agents if the Cardinals don’t re-sign them.

The NFL is still more than a month away from the beginning of free agency. The Arizona Cardinals are expected to be big players as they have more salary cap space than in recent years.

Of course, they have some players of their own they would like to bring back and re-sign before free agency begins.

Two show up on ESPN’s list of the top 50 free agents for this year.

Coming in at No. 44 is tackle D.J. Humphries.

Humphries is one of the most intriguing candidates for the open market. His age and position will attract plenty of NFL teams. But Humphries, a 2015 first-round draft pick, struggled to stay on the field until his contract year. Is he past those issues?

Humphries played well last season, allowing only two sacks all year. Re-signing him is important for the Cardinals as well because he would be the first of general manager Steve Keim’s first-round picks to make it to a second contract.

Cracking the top 20 on the list is running back Kenyan Drake, who comes in at No. 19.

Drake was wildly productive after arriving from the Dolphins via trade. In eight games, he rushed for eight touchdowns and combined for 814 yards rushing and receiving. Drake’s age and receiving ability make him a rare valuable commodity at his position in free agency.

How much he will cost to re-sign is a big question for the offseason. Already burdened by David Johnson’s deal, do they want to invest more at a position many feel is interchangeable?

If the Cardinals don’t re-sign him, he will certainly get paid elsewhere.

[vertical-gallery id=430069]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 255

[protected-iframe id=”5a077b6c80e43549964e9cb25d81401e-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21468690/download.mp3″ ]

Ep. 254

[protected-iframe id=”cf5e5fef1c00053a25fea0111e1875e9-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21222569/download.mp3″ ]

Why the Cardinals can’t exactly follow 49ers’ model for running game success

The 49ers offensive line is one of the highest-rated run-blocking lines in the league.

The San Francisco 49ers made it to the Super Bowl with a 37-20 win over the Green Bay Packers. They did it without almost nothing from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who only attempted eight passes.

They ran the ball 42 times, led by Raheem Mostert’s 220 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries.

Mostert, a former undrafted free agent, began the year as the team’s third-string running back.

With the 49ers’ success, there has been talk about how the Arizona Cardinals should follow the 49ers in how they have approached the running game. Essentially, there is no need to invest much at running back. That would lead to unloading David Johnson and letting Kenyan Drake leave in free agency if the price gets too high.

That sounds good, but the logic is slightly flawed.

First, the 49ers did invest in the position. They gave Jerick McKinnon a four-year, $30 million deal and he has not played a down for them in two years. They signed Tevin Coleman for two years and $8.5 million.

Here’s the thing. The 49ers’ success in the running game can be attributed to, in part, the play of their offensive line. They have a very good run-blocking line. According to Football Outsiders, they have the No. 8-rated run-blocking line. The success starts there. They rank No. 5 in RB yards.

The Cardinals, who had the No. 9 rushing attack in the league and were No. 2 in rushing average, were rated 21st in run blocking as an offensive line. They rank eighth in RB yards.

The great discrepancy suggests the Cardinals need greater talent at running back for success in the running game.

A team with a great run-blocking line can plug in more or less any back and have success. Others need more talent at running back.

As things stand now, it appears the Cardinals will probably stay mostly the same on the offensive line, perhaps getting a new right tackle. If their run-blocking rating is roughly what it was in 2019, if they are going to be a great rushing offense, they need more than just any running back.

That isn’t to say they should give Drake a David Johnson-like contract, but if the offensive line personnel is going to stay more or less the same, then they need equivalent talent at running back.

San Francisco might go into the Super Bowl with three undrafted running backs. They have done a fantastic job of scouting backs who fit their system and letting them have success.

It would be great to see the Cardinals do that in addition to having a dynamic Kyler Murray. However, to do that, they have to do more than simply stick to undrafted backs and avoiding big contracts at the position.

They have to have the infrastructure in place for those types of players to succeed.

[vertical-gallery id=430331]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 255

[protected-iframe id=”5a077b6c80e43549964e9cb25d81401e-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21468690/download.mp3″ ]

Ep. 254

[protected-iframe id=”cf5e5fef1c00053a25fea0111e1875e9-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21222569/download.mp3″ ]

Cardinals hold tryouts for pair of CFL players

They brought in CB Tre Roberson and QB Chris Streveler.

The Arizona Cardinals are working on adding talent to their offseason roster. They are reportedly looking at more than just NFL players. According to Howard Balzer, the Cardinals brought in a pair of Canadian Football League players.

One was cornerback Tre Roberson and the other was quarterback Chris Streveler.

In 2019, Streveler completed 66.7% of his passes for 1,564 yards, eight touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also had 733 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. According to Balzer, it was his second workout with the Cardinals.

Roberson is listed at 6-0 and 190 pounds. He had seven interceptions in 2019, one he returned for a touchdown, and 41 tackles for Calgary.

Bruggman is a local kid who is from Phoenix. He played 11 games for Montana State in 2016, had 888 passing yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions. He also was at Texas A&M in 2017 but didn’t play.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 255

[protected-iframe id=”5a077b6c80e43549964e9cb25d81401e-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21468690/download.mp3″ ]

Ep. 254

[protected-iframe id=”cf5e5fef1c00053a25fea0111e1875e9-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21222569/download.mp3″ ]

5 pending free agents to watch in NFC title game between 49ers, Packers

Who could be a target for the Arizona Cardinals?

The NFC Championship Game features the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers. Between the two teams, there are a number of pending free agents who could be targeted by the Arizona Cardinals in March when free agency officially begins.

Who could be on the Cardinals’ radar?

49ers DL Arik Armstead

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Armstead had a breakout season in 2019. He had nine career sacks in three previous seasons. He had 10 in 2019. The Cardinals need help on the defensive line and could target a big-ticket player. Armstead would be such a player and would immediately upgrade the defensive front and give the Cardinals an interior threat to counter Chandler Jones off the edge.

[protected-iframe id=”5a077b6c80e43549964e9cb25d81401e-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21468690/download.mp3″ ]

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

3 pending free agents to watch in Chiefs-Titans playoffs game

These players could be targets for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.

The AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans is Sunday afternoon. On both teams, there are pending free agents the Arizona Cardinals could have interest in this offseason.

Check them out.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Jones is going to be one of the big-ticket free agents. The Cardinals need to upgrade the defensive line and Jones would be a huge upgrade. He had nine sacks this season and 15.5 in 2018 from the defensive interior.

The Cardinals could have drafted him in 2016 but took Robert Nkemdiche instead.

He is questionable for the game today with a calf injury.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

5 2019 Cardinals rookies whose 2020 roles probably won’t change

While they might develop, the situations ahead of them probably will limit their role next season.

Several of the Arizona Cardinals’ rookies in 2019 should have bigger roles in 2020. Others aren’t likely to. Here are the rookies whose roles likely won’t increase much in their second season.

S Deionte Thompson

Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Thompson split time on the field with fellow rookie Jalen Thompson after D.J. Swearinger was cut. However, his playing time disappeared with the emergence of Jalen. With Budda Baker already a Pro Bowler and with the emergence of Jalen and the possibility of the team adding a veteran at the position, Deionte probably won’t be more than a special teamer in 2020 unless there is an injury or he makes huge strides.

[protected-iframe id=”5a077b6c80e43549964e9cb25d81401e-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21468690/download.mp3″ ]

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

4 2019 Cardinals rookies who need to fill larger roles in 2020

These players need to be counted on for more in 2020.

The Arizona Cardinals had two of their rookies play prominent roles in 2019. Quarterback Kyler Murray and cornerback Byron Murphy, the team’s two top picks in the draft, started every single game as rookies.

As we look ahead to 2020, a few of the 2019 rookies should see their roles increase.

WR Andy Isabella

 Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

While the team was not disappointed in him, he certainly was disappointing to fans, who were very excited about the prospect of someone with his frame and speed. He still has Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk ahead of him in the slot but he needs to be a much bigger part offense in his second year than he was.

[protected-iframe id=”5a077b6c80e43549964e9cb25d81401e-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21468690/download.mp3″ ]

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

Larry Fitzgerald ‘didn’t need to be lobbied’ to come back for 2020

“Coming back and playing with this nucleus of guys we have is a lot of fun.”

The Arizona Cardinals organization and its fans are all thrilled with the decision of Larry Fitzgerald to play at least one more year in 2020, his 17th season in the league and with the team. Before the end of the season, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said he would give him his sales pitch and quarterback Kyler Murray said he wanted Fitz to come back.

The future Hall of Famer didn’t need any of that. The decision was easy, he said.

“I didn’t need to be lobbied,” he said on NFL Network. “Coming back and playing with this nucleus of guys we have is a lot of fun.”

He spoke of the worth ethic and the charisma of his teammates.

“It’s fun to be around them,” he said.

At the conclusion of the season, he said that, despite winning only five games, it was one most fun seasons he has had in his career.

“Coach Kliff (Kingsbury) is one of the better guys you can be around,” he added. “His offense is fun and innovative. He’s creative, every single day coming in with something new.”

There is clearly a good vibe around the team right now.

They have a young, talented quarterback in Kyler Murray, who Fitzgerald believes will be the rookie of the year. He likes the coach and the offense and he can still produce. He led the team with 75 catches for 804 yards in 2019.

His early decision to re-sign is evidence that he didn’t need a lot of time to know what his plan was.

The same questions will arise near the end of this next season and we will go through the same waiting process. Until then, we will enjoy another year of Larry.

[vertical-gallery id=430331]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 255

[protected-iframe id=”5a077b6c80e43549964e9cb25d81401e-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21468690/download.mp3″ ]

Ep. 254

[protected-iframe id=”cf5e5fef1c00053a25fea0111e1875e9-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21222569/download.mp3″ ]

Kyler Murray expresses desire to play both baseball and football

“I’ve been playing both my whole life. I would love to add that to the resume.”

A year ago at this time, it was not yet known whether or not Kyler Murray would declare for the NFL draft as he was under contract with the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball. He eventually chose football and became the first player ever to be a first-round pick in both baseball and football.

Could he be a two-sport star like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders were in the 1990s?

He was asked about it by AZCentral Sports’ Bob McManaman. Murray believes he could pull it off.

“I think I could,” he said, according to a tweet by McManaman. Athletically, I think yeah, I could do it. I’ve been playing both my whole life. I would love to add that to the resume.”

One might read this as how he would like to do both. However, as much as he would like, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes, he really can’t.

The Cardinals can’t overtly prohibit him from returning to baseball, but the verbiage in his contract puts him in default if he tries out, participates in an exhibition or anything of the like for baseball.

It would be quite the accomplishment to do these days, but it looks like it will never actually occur.

[vertical-gallery id=430212]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 255

[protected-iframe id=”5a077b6c80e43549964e9cb25d81401e-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21468690/download.mp3″ ]

Ep. 254

[protected-iframe id=”cf5e5fef1c00053a25fea0111e1875e9-112738498-106269283″ info=”https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/21222569/download.mp3″ ]