Category: Arizona Cardinals offseason

No 5th-year option for LB Zaven Collins

The fourth-year linebacker will play 2024 in a contract year.

The Arizona Cardinals have made a decision on linebacker Zaven Collins, the 2021 first-round pick entering his fourth season. With the deadline coming this week, they have chosen not to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, general manager Monti Ossenfort said on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM on Tuesday.

The option would have paid him $13.25 million in fully guaranteed salary in 2025.

“We’ve talked a lot about it here the last couple weeks,” Ossenfort said, noting the team would not pick up the option. “We’ve had discussions with Zaven. We’re extremely happy with where he’s at and the versatility that he brings to the defense. We want to keep Zaven around here, it’s just the fifth-year option removes some flexibility in terms of the cap that comes along.

Collins made the move from off the ball to the edge at outside linebacker last season. He had 41 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, an interception and three pass breakups.

Those numbers wouldn’t justify locking him in for that much money.

Of course, the coaching staff loves Collins. Head coach Jonathan Gannon believes he can still develop into “a premium player” for the Cardinals.

The overall lack of moves at outside linebacker suggests that belief in him and the other guys in the room. The only addition the have made at the position was drafting Xavier Thomas in the fifth round last week.

Ossenfort doesn’t want Collins to leave.

“We’re going to have some discussions here as we go,” he said. “(We) love Zaven, love where he’s at, love what he brings to our defense and hopefully we can keep him around here for a long time.”

The Cardinals have many options for Collins. They could negotiate a new deal during the season or before free agency. They could simply let him sign elsewhere. They could also trade him like they did Isaiah Simmons last year entering his fourth season, although that trade was about fit, something that hasn’t been questioned with Collins.

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

 

Cardinals land D-lineman in top 10 of super early 2025 mock draft

The Cardinals land Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham in a way-too-early mock draft for 2025.

The 2024 NFL draft just happened, wrapping up on Saturday after the Arizona Cardinals selected 12 players. It didn’t take long for someone to put together a mock draft for 2025, which is simply way too early.

However, what a mock draft this early can do is point your attention to players who are expected to make big impacts on the next college football season.

In a way-too-early mock draft from Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar, the Cardinals have the seventh pick overall and select Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham.

Listed by the school as 6-foot-3 and 318 pounds, Graham finished last season with 36 total tackles, three sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery, playing on the national championship team.

The Cardinals pick seventh based on Super Bowl odds. If in fact they are picking seventh in 2025, the season did not go the way they hoped.

Now, picking a defensive lineman with their first-round pick wouldn’t be out of the question, especially considering the efforts they made this offseason to make the defensive line a strength on the team.

Is it too early to think about the 2025 draft? Yes.

But now we at least have some players to watch in the upcoming college season.

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

 

Darius Robinson wore some bling, but is committed to the work

he is really excited to have been drafted by the Cardinals.

The performance by Arizona Cardinals first-round pick Darius Robinson and his defensive teammates helped the Missouri Tigers improve from 6-7 in 2022 to 11-2 last season, including a 14-3 victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

That led to a light moment at the Friday press conference last week at the Cardinals facility when Robinson and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. were together on stage.

The night before, when Robinson was asked about becoming Harrison’s teammate, he said, “We beat Ohio State in the bowl game, so I have to make sure Marvin knows that when we’re talking ball.”

Of course, Harrison didn’t play and the Buckeyes were also down to their quarterback for much of the game.

Still, Robinson showed off his bling, wearing his large Cotton Bowl ring. When asked if he made sure to show it to Harrison (who obviously couldn’t help but notice it), Robinson was a tad less boastful.

“No, I didn’t show it to Marvin,” he said. “I was telling Marvin we were glad he didn’t play because the whole week leading up everyone was saying, ‘Ohio State, OK. Marvin Harrison. Is he going to play? Is he going to play?’ He didn’t play so we lucked out.”

Robinson was proud of what he and the team accomplished during his college career, and no matter the circumstances of the Cotton Bowl win, that the team earned an invitation to a New Year’s Six game was significant.

Robinson said, “At Missouri we had some tough seasons, but we were really built with an edge. Energy, details, grit, and emotional consistency. I just found myself trying to grow and get better each year and also as a team. Win more games each year. That was my home. That was my family. I was blessed to get two degrees as well off the field and I just love Mizzou.”

Now, he plans to love having a new home and new family with the Cardinals.

Robinson was selected 27th overall and was at the draft in his hometown of Detroit in the green room, although he claimed “I wasn’t antsy” waiting to be picked.

He emphasized, “I knew AZ was the one for me since the beginning of this process. They were one of the first teams that met with me at the combine and one of the first teams that met with me at the Senior Bowl. I’m really excited to be there and just ready to put that work in.”

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

 

Cardinals announce 3 undrafted rookie signings, 1 roster cut

The signed a receiver, a defensive lineman and a long snapper.

The Arizona Cardinals, with 12 player selections in the 2024 NFL draft, brought their offseason roster to 88 players. That left room for only two other players.

They announced the signing of three undrafted rookies and one release.

They released long snapper Matt Hembrough, signed as an undrafted rookie last year out of Oklahoma State. He spent the year on injured reserve.

He was released because they added a long snapper among their rookie free agents.

Their three undrafted rookie signings are:

  • Defensive lineman Myles Murphy, North Carolina
  • Long snapper Joe Shimko, N.C. State
  • Receiver Xavier Weaver, Colorado

Murphy is 6-foot-4 and 309 pounds. He played four seasons for the Tar Heels and had seven career sacks and 17 career tackles for loss.

Shimko played five seasons for N.C. State and won the Patrick Mannelly Award following the 2023 season as the nation’s top long snapper. He was a three-time All-American selection. He was perfect on all 607 snaps of his career.

Weaver is six feet tall and 169 pounds. He played four seasons for South Florida before transferring last year to Colorado. He had 68 receptions for 908 yards and four touchdowns for Colorado.

He also returned 21 kicks over his college career.

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

 

Mel Kiper gives Cardinals ‘A’ for work in 2024 draft

In early draft grades, the Cardinals get high marks.

With the conclusion of the 2024 NFL draft, grades are the next big thing. How did each team do with their draft class?

Immediate grades of draft classes and draft picks is always about a mix of talent, perceived value where players were selected, team needs and fit. It is the only way to do it, as we have not seen any of the players suit up and play in a professional game yet.

The Arizona Cardinals did well, at least per ESPN’s Mel Kiper. In his grades for every team, he gave the Cardinals an “A.”

I really could have listed a few more needs above, including each position on defense. While the Cardinals surprised most everyone by winning four games last season, this is still a team with a below-average roster. They really needed a talent infusion in this draft, and they entered Thursday with 11 picks, tied for the most in the league. So, yes, general manager Monti Ossenfort could have traded down from No. 4 to add even more capital, but I like that he went with both the best prospect available and the team’s biggest need. Marvin Harrison Jr. (4) has everything it takes to be a future All-Pro wide receiver.

Darius Robinson (27) dominated against top prospects at the Senior Bowl, which made him rise into the Round 1 discussion. While he didn’t always live up to his talent level at Missouri, his potential is tantalizing. I didn’t love all of Ossenfort’s selections on Day 2, but I can see the strategy behind them, and he made two trades down to add capital. Offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (71) and tight end Tip Reiman (82) were both reaches on my board. Max Melton (43) should play immediately as the slot corner, while Trey Benson (66) has speed to burn. Benson thrived when bouncing runs to the outside then flying by defenders.

Arizona added even more to the secondary with corner Elijah Jones (90), safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (104) and corner Jaden Davis (226), each of whom was a value on my board. Christian Jones (162) is a steal in my rankings, as I have him at No. 98 overall; that’s a stellar value pick by Ossenfort.

All in all, Ossenfort used 12 picks and hit all of the Cardinals’ top needs, including throwing four defensive backs at a porous pass D. This is a well-rounded and super-talented class.

Landing Harrison, who looks like a sure thing to play at an All-Pro level for years, makes the draft look good at the top. They addressed the cornerback room and added a safety who could potentially play this year and replace Budda Baker if the team lets him go in free agency next offseason.

They added a blocking tight end, which they needed. They added offensive line depth.

You can question who was selected at certain spots but the Cardinals certainly did good work in blending talent, value and need.

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

 

Cardinals double up at CB on Day 2, select Elijah Jones 90th overall

Jones is long, athletic and great at making plays on the ball.

The Arizona Cardinals ended up using all four of their third-round picks on Day 2 of the NFL draft.

Using the 90th pick of the draft, they selected cornerback Elijah Jones out of Boston College, the second cornerback pick the Cardinals made on Day 2 after selecting Max Melton in the second round.

Jones is long and athletic, and his on-ball production is incredible.

He had five interceptions last season in only nine games, missing the final four with a non-injury issue. He had 28 passes defensed over the last two seasons in 20 games.

He is almost 6-foot-2 and weighs 185 pounds. He is already 24 years old.

He ran the 40 in 4.44 seconds at the combine and posted a 42.5-inch vertical leap and 131-inch broad jump.

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

 

Cardinals select Missouri DL Darius Robinson No. 27 overall

The Cardinals bolster their defensive line with Darius Robinson, drafting him 27th overall.

The Arizona Cardinals, a year after making two first-round trades in the NFL draft, made none in the first round on Thursday. After selecting receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. fourth overall, they used the 27th overall pick on Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson.

Robinson is 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds and played both the defensive interior and the edge for the Tigers.

He was a two-time captain and led the team with 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.

He was voted the top performer at the Senior Bowl. he was first-team All-SEC in 2023.

The question is where the Cardinals view him playing. Will he play both the interior and the edge? Will he be a big edge?

If considered an interior guy, he is the fourth the team has added this offseason. In addition to re-signing L.J. Collier, they added new free agent defensive linemen Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols and Khyiris Tonga.

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

 

For the Cardinals, ‘juniors’ and Ohio State go hand in hand

The Cardinals select a “Junior” from Ohio State for the second straight year in the first round.

This was the no-brainer of no-brainers.

One day after the 20th anniversary of Larry Fitzgerald coming to the Valley as the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals surprised no one by dipping into the Ohio State well once again with the selection of Marvin Harrison, another “junior” to go with former Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr., the sixth overall choice last year.

Joining his former teammate, Harrison said, “I’m super excited it worked out the way it did.”

His selection came after quarterbacks were picked with the first three picks of the draft: Caleb Williams to the Bears, Jayden Daniels to the Commanders and Drake Maye to the Patriots.

All the talk about trades turned to be, well, just talk, as Harrison now brings a Hall-of-Fame pedigree to the team’s receivers room along with consistent play-making ability. His father, Marvin Harrison Sr., played 13 seasons for the Indianapolis Colts and was enshrined in Canton in 2016.

That surely pleases quarterback Kyler Murray, who said earlier in the day, “I know who I want. We’ll see if it happens.”

It obviously did, and while no coaches or general managers anoint rookies as starters on the day they are drafted, there’s no question that Harrison immediately vaults to the top of the team’s depth chart, past Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Chris Moore and Zach Pascal.

Harrison is a player with unparalleled work ethic who elected not to work out at the Combine or his Pro Day so he could continue preparing to play football, not showcase drills that often have little to do what happens between the sidelines.

Meanwhile, in a receiver-rich draft, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Cardinals select another pass-catcher late in the first round (if they don’t trade the 27th pick) or in the second or third round where they currently own four selections.

Speaking of Ohio State, soon after the draft ends, all of the betting outfits will emerge with the odds for 2024 rookie awards, including Offensive Player of the Year, which will likely have Harrison as the favorite.

That will only make Buckeyes faithful crow even louder after wide receiver Garrett Wilson and quarterback C.J. Stroud earned that honor the last two seasons.

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

 

Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson requests trade

Hendrickson has two years remaining on his contract and had 17.5 sacks last season.

The Arizona Cardinals have not done anything in the offseason to address the defensive edge. They seem content to have Zaven Collins, Dennis Gardeck and BJ Ojulari lead the way.

However, a very productive pass rusher might be available.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade. He is due $15 million in 2024 and $16 million in 2025 but does not have any guaranteed money remaining on his deal.

He is seeking longer-term security as he will turn 30 years old in December.

In 2023, he had a career-high 17.5 sacks, the third time in four years he had at least 13.5. He has been a Pro Bowler for three straight years.

While he will be 30 this year, he would be a fantastic addition to the Arizona defense as they have no proven pass rush.

Should the Cardinals inquire about Hendrickson? Absolutely.

With 11 selections in the 2024 draft, they can move around. Using a third-round pick to acquire Hendrickson would certainly be worth it.

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

 

Marvin Harrison Jr. has been given assurances by Cardinals about being drafted 4th overall

ESPN’s Matt Miller says sources around the league indicate that the Cardinals have assured Harrison they will draft him if he is on the board.

The Arizona Cardinals and former Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. have been connected for months. The most commonly projected pick to Arizona with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft is Harrison.

He is considered the top receiving prospect in years and the Cardinals’ biggest hole on their roster is at wide receiver.

Apparently the speculation for the pick has some concrete information behind it.

According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, in his final mock draft of the first round, “sources around the NFL say Harrison has an assurance from the Cardinals that he will be the pick if available at this spot.”

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General manager Monti Ossenfort has made it clear that the team is open for business for a trade, which makes sense. He will take any call. However, unless he is blown away by an offer, it makes sense to stay and select Harrison.

He is the best receiver prospect since A.J. Green and Julio Jones back in 2011.

He has everything a team might want — size, length, speed, playmaking, hands, route running, athleticism, work ethic, durability and he was raised by a Hall of Fame receiver (his father, Marvin Harrison).

The Cardinals lack an alpha receiver on the roster. Harrison is immediately that guy.

The Cardinals have told other teams that they will wait on any trade decisions until they are on the clock.

Betting odds don’t believe the Cardinals will trade the pick, as he is -225 to be selected fourth overall.

So unless something crazy happens and a team in the top three drafts him, expect him to be the Cardinals’ pick Thursday evening.

The first round of the NFL begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. Arizona time).

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