Tag: Arizona Cardinals rumors

Second-year WR Rondale Moore poised for breakout season

The Cardinals have heavy expectations for second-year Rondale Moore this season, especially with the looming six game suspension for DeAndre Hopkins.

The Arizona Cardinals have invested significant capital into the wide receiver position in the past few years. In the past two seasons alone, they’ve used a first and second-round pick on two of their starting wide receivers this season. The latter, of course, was used to select Purdue’s Rondale Moore in 2021.

Moore had an electrifying start to the season. He played a ton of snaps against the Titans and had one of the best plays of the season with his 77-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings.

Gradually, however, Moore’s playing time and usage seemed to decline. At first it seemed to just be result of a loaded receiving room, but became more questionable following the loss of DeAndre Hopkins for the season.

Moore spoke to the media on Wednesday to talk about a frustrating second-half of the season and his outlook moving forward.

“I think every player in this league wants to be the guy and I think I speak for everyone when I say you want to go out and catch as many footballs as you can,” he said. “You just continue to keep the same pressure you had on yourself as a kid trying to make it here. For me, the grind stays the same.”

Moore is expected to take over the starting slot receiver role left by Christian Kirk. With Hopkins and Marquise Brown drawing attention on the outside, Moore is expected to get a ton of targets.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury teased a new role for Moore in 2022 when he spoke on Wednesday.

“We kind of got it to him in space and did some things and used him on some checkdowns but he’s a dynamic route-runner and I think that’s what people are going to see,” he said. “He’s really good getting out of his cuts, good at the tougher routes and so I think people are going to see a different side of him.”

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3 players who still could re-sign with Cardinals

Here are three free agents the Cardinals could bring back from last season.

With training camp set to start next month, the Arizona Cardinals will continue to monitor ways to improve the roster before September’s home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

General manager Steve Keim has made many late-offseason additions that ended up being major contributors to the team. Some of those have been bringing back some of their own free agents.

Who could the Cardinals still bring back from last season that would make sense at this point?

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‘It’s their time’: Vance Joseph talks about Isaiah Simmons, Zaven Collins

Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph had some positive feedback to give his two young inside linebackers on Wednesday.

During the 2021 NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals made a rather unconventional decision by selecting inside linebacker Zaven Collins with their first round selection. This came as a shock to many because the club used their previous first-round pick on an inside linebacker in Isaiah Simmons.

Flash forward to 2022 and both players are slated to be the starting inside linebackers for the team. There has been some criticism surrounding the team as both players did not get much playing time during their rookie seasons. In the team’s blowout loss to the Rams in the wild card round, Collins logged only eight defensive snaps.

This season, however, it appears the team is ready to live or die by their back-to-back first-round linebackers. The team released standout Jordan Hicks this offseason, so it would seem the jobs safely belong to Simmons and Collins.

“It’s their time,” Joseph said after Wednesday’s practice at OTAs. “Isaiah is going into his third this year and Zaven is going into his second year. They are first-round picks. They have to help us.”

Joseph continued by praising the work ethics of both linebackers. Both are regular hard-workers in the building but have suffered from offseasons that were shortened due to COVID-19.

Simmons was a starter alongside Jordan Hicks last season and showed some incredible playmaking ability. Joseph is looking for that to become more consistent this year.

“Watching him last year, he made plays,” he explained. “Now he has to make consistent plays and not give up plays.”

As for Collins, Joseph stressed the importance of his position and the mental challenges to overcome from not playing last year.

“A lot is mental,” he said. “Especially for Zaven, playing the MIKE ‘backer. He’s the quarterback now. He’s got a bunch to process each play and he’s got to do it fast for his teammates and do it well. And then do the physical job, which isn’t easy.”

The Cardinals’ defense could very well sink or swim based on the production of their two young inside linebackers. Their secondary is relatively the same from last season but the loss of Chandler Jones up front makes the front seven significantly weaker.

It’ll be fun to watch Simmons and Collins’ progression into this season.

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Zach Allen ready to double down on productive 2021 season

Cardinals DE Zach Allen recently spoke with Arizona Sports 98.7 about his expectations for this season and more.

Arizona Cardinals DE Zach Allen undoubtedly had his best season as a pro in 2021 after an injury-riddled first two seasons. He had a number of highlight-worthy plays, from a two-sack performance against the San Francisco 49ers to snagging a one-handed interception against the Chicago Bears.

Allen’s role is likely to increase this year, as he showed flashes of being a dependable player in the league. The loss of Chandler Jones, coupled with Allen’s ability to play edge in certain defensive packages, is also something to keep an eye on.

The 2019 third round pick was highly regarded by the Cards in that draft class, as the team had a first round graded on the Boston College standout.

Allen appeared on Arizona Sports 98.7 on Tuesday to discuss how he believes his game will continue to improve.

“I thought last year was a nice step for myself personally,” he said. “I think the production rose and was able to play more, get more comfortable in the NFL. I definitely have that confidence now and I’m really excited for this year.”

Allen detailed how confidence plays a huge role in the NFL and how he feels like that will be the foundation for an improved season this year.

The Cardinals are going to need increased production from Allen, particularly following the loss of Chandler Jones to the Raiders. He was asked about that, exhibiting confidence in the team’s current group of pass rushers.

“We can do everything. We have the guys that can do everything and that can play at multiple positions. I think that’s something that we all pride ourselves on.”

Allen also mentioned how the Cardinals’ pass rush had a good season in 2020 following the injury to Jones. They were able to still have a productive season despite Jones being lost so early in the season.

It’s a pivotal year for Allen, who is entering a contract year and will look to improve upon last season.

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Dennis Gardeck ready to bounce back, feels fully recovered from knee injury

Dennis Gardeck suffered a brutal knee injury late in the 2020 season, which hampered his ability last season. He is now at 100% and ready to return to form.

Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck was always one of the team’s best special teams playmakers. His role increased drastically in the 2020 season, however, when Chandler Jones went down with a season-ending biceps tear.

He immediately became a fan favorite, managing to rack up seven sacks in very limited snaps at outside linebacker. He brought energy and some much-needed pass rush help to a team that had just lost their star pass rusher for the season.

Unfortunately, Gardeck was unable to finish his 2020 campaign, as he suffered a torn ACL in a December matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Late-season knee injuries, particularly one of Gardeck’s severity, are always difficult to return to full strength by the next season.

Gardeck appeared on Arizona Sports 98.7 to discuss what was a frustrating season for him.

“I thought I was back to my normal speed,” Gardeck said. “I felt way more confident than I did in weeks previous and months previous until I got out there.”

“Maybe I wasn’t all the way back,” he said.

Gardeck mentioned how early in last offseason, he thought he was going to be able to play at close to full strength. Getting out on the field was a different story, however. He just didn’t feel like his normal self and never quite found his footing during the regular season.

This offseason is different for Gardeck. He’s had ample time now to recover from his injury and we get a chance to start conditioning and drills at 100%, as opposed to last year.

“I definitely felt back to pre-injury Dennis.”

The Cardinals are going to need a much production as possible from the edge rusher position following the loss of Chandler Jones in free agency. They added third-round picks Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders, but otherwise have not added any outside help.

The team extended Gardeck for the next three seasons, showing the faith they have in him returning at full speed this year.

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Cardinals believe rookie OL Lecitus Smith could be future Pro Bowler

The Cardinals’ Vice President of Player Personnel believes Lecitus Smith could be a Pro-Bowl type player for the team.

Every year, there are a handful of players taken on Day 3 of the NFL draft that exceed their pre-draft grades. Some go on to become perennial Pro-Bowlers, leaving teams wondering why they had passed on that player.

Arizona Cardinals vice president of player personnel Quentin Harris recently joined The Dave Pasch Podcast to talk about the recent draft haul for the team. Pasch brought up how, every year, some of those late-round picks turn into stars. He asked Harris who he thinks could become that Pro Bowl player for the Cardinals among their day three selections.

“I really like Lecitus Smith,” Harris said. “This guy is athletic, he’s an excellent puller. He’s tough, he’s physical.”

One of the traits that excites Harris the most is Smith’s quick-footed play style. He talked about how some NFL guards possess all the right traits but are held back from being slow-footed.

“This guy is everything,” he said. “He was a steal, in my opinion. He’s one guy that once he gets his opportunity, it’s going to be tough to remove him from the seat.”

The Cardinals could certainly use hitting on a seventh-round pick, particularly on the offensive line. They have almost their entire offensive line room set to hit the free agent market next season, so getting some young stability up front for Kyler Murray would do wonders.

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DT Ndamukong Suh, potential free agent fit for Cardinals?

The Cardinals could use some help on the interior defensive line by way of Ndamukong Suh.

We have reached the point of the NFL offseason that has earned general manager Steve Keim a nickname for his late free agent signings. Many of the Arizona Cardinals’ additions in years past have come after the first wave of free agency. Coined “Keim Time” by some, these additions have made huge impacts on the season.

The Cardinals were quiet in the initial wave of free agency. Their lone splash move came in round one of the draft when they sent the No. 23 overall pick to the Ravens in exchange for WR Marquise Brown. Other than that, however, they’ve been pretty quiet.

One name that could make a lot of sense for the Cardinals is defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who appears to not be returning to Tampa Bay.

Suh is one of the premier defensive lineman of the last decade, spending time with the Lions, Dolphins, Rams and Buccaneers. He was an instrumental part of the Bucs’ 2020 Super Bowl run and terrorized the Cardinals during his time with the Rams. During his time with the Dolphins, Suh played under current Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

At age 35, Suh is likely going to be taking a one-year deal as we get closer to training camp. There are certainly concerns about his age at this point but his contract demands likely wouldn’t be out of the Cards’ budget.

The 2010 No. 2 overall pick has compiled a long list of accolades during his playing career. He is a 5x Pro-Bowler, 3x First-Team All Pro, 2x Second-Team All-Pro and was selected to the 2010s All-Decade Team. Even with his current age, that should be attractive to the Cardinals

The Cardinals are set at defensive end with J.J. Watt and Zach Allen, but defensive tackle remains a question mark. Given the teams’ struggles against the run last season, bringing in a veteran like Suh can only help.

Last season, Suh played in all 17 games for the Bucs and accumulated 6 sacks and 13 QB hits. He also had seven tackles for loss. It’s quite evident he can still play and perhaps the best attribute is his consistent availability, something the Cardinals have struggled with along the defensive line.

Should the Cardinals bring Suh to the desert?

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Free agent DL Kingsley Keke visiting the Cardinals

Former Packers DL Kingsley Keke is visiting the Arizona Cardinals, according to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson.

The Arizona Cardinals have yet to make any significant additions along the defensive line, an area of weakness for them late last season. They may find some help by way of former Packers and Texans defensive lineman Kingsley Keke, who is visiting the team, according to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson.

A fifth-round selection of the Packers in 2019, Keke was released by the team in January. He was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans but was released last week. Last season, he had 2.5 sacks and 20 tackles. He has 47 tackles and 6.5 sacks so far in his three-year career.

Keke was a standout player Texas A&M during his three years, totalling 150 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Seven of those sacks came during his senior season, leading the team.

His 2020 season was his best statistically, as he had two standout performances against the Eagles and Saints, where he brought down both Drew Brees and Carson Wentz twice.

The Cardinals could certainly use help along the defensive line. They have Leki Fotu and Rashard Lawrence but rush defense was not an area of strength last season. There is added stress on the front-seven following the departure of Chandler Jones to the Raiders, and the team’s lack of adding to what they lost via free agency.

We’ll see in the coming days if Kingsley Keke ends up a member of the Cardinals.

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LB Zaven Collins ‘someone to watch’ for the Cardinals in 2022

NFL Analyst Jim Trotter says second-year inside linebacker Zaven Collins is a crucial part of the team’s plans for 2022.

For the second consecutive season, many Arizona Cardinals fans were left frustrated with the team’s seeming to play their first-round pick inside linebacker. We saw a big second-year leap from 2020 No. 8 overall pick Isaiah Simmons, though he did not get a ton of playing time during his rookie season.

With the Cardinals opting to release three-year starter and team captain Jordan Hicks, the defense is going to need someone else to step up at that position. The projected man for that job is 2021 No. 16 overall selection Zaven Collins, who did not have many opportunities last season.

NFL Network analyst Jim Trotter mentioned Collins as a player that will be essential to the defense’s chances of improving from last season, particularly with the loss of standout edge rusher Chandler Jones.

“One player specifically that they are calling on to step up their game this year will be second year linebacker Zaven Collins,” he said, via AZCardinals.com. “After the final 10 (games), there were eight games in which he didn’t take 10 percent or more of the snaps.”

Trotter points out what has frustrated Cardinals fans with their back-to-back first-round inside linebacker selections. In the team’s blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild card round, Collins was riding the bench in favor of Tanner Vallejo, one of the team’s special teams aces.

The team added former Vikings ILB Nick Vigil this offseason, but all signs point to Collins being the starting ‘mike’ linebacker. His development for the team is crucial, particularly given his need to call the defense from Vance Joseph.

We saw a big second year jump from Isaiah Simmons in year two. Could we see the same from Collins? The Cardinals certainly hope so.

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Giants CB James Bradberry a possible intriguing option for the Cardinals

The Cardinals would be wise to consider adding former Pro Bowl cornerback James Bradberry from the Giants.

Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim has made some excellent free agent acquisitions after the initial wave of free agency many times in the past. Look no further than Pro Bowler James Conner, whom the team added last April.

The Cardinals entered the NFL draft with needs at cornerback, wide receiver and edge rusher. These positions of need were confirmed by Keim during his pre-draft press conference a few days prior to the first round.

The team added Marquise Brown in exchange for their first round pick and drafted back-to-back edge rushers in the third round. The team did not address cornerback until the seventh round.

Many thought the Cardinals were content with their cornerback room, but perhaps they are looking for more based on Keim’s comments and how the draft played out.

One intriguing option could be cornerback James Bradberry from the New York Giants. Bradberry earned his Pro Bowl honors in 2020 after a stellar campaign. His play declined a bit last year but so did the team as a whole.

The Giants have been actively looking to trade Bradberry due to their rebuilding situation and a massive cap hit due for this season. His cap hit is approximately $22 million for this season, so it makes sense for the team to look for a way to move on given their current state.

After failing to find a trade partner, it appears the Giants are set to release their Pro Bowl corner. General manager Joe Schoen spoke to the media earlier this week with some clarifying news.

“We should have some resolution hopefully by the end of the week,” he said. “It’s unfortunate because he’s a great kid.”

For the Cardinals, adding a player like Bradberry late in the offseason, particularly without having to give up draft capital would be a major boost to their defense. The cornerback room, in its current state, is young and athletic but without established Pro-Bowlers like Bradberry.

The 29-year-old pro would join a position room that already features Byron Murphy and Marco Wilson, the latter of whom the Cards expect a big jump from. The team also added Jeff Gladney in the offseason, but adding Bradberry only makes the team better.

Cornerback was an area of weakness late in the season for the Cardinals. Following injuries to Marco Wilson and Robert Alford, they were unable to stop most of the passing offenses they came across. Bradberry would have helped tremendously in that area last year.

Spotrac estimates Bradberry’s market value to be $12.5 million per season. That is a much more manageable number than the cap hit on his current deal. Perhaps that number shrinks, particularly given the later point in the offseason that we’re at.

The Cardinals have maintained that they did right by not overspending or overreacting to the first wave of free agency and that they’ll stay aggressive the rest of the way. Let’s see if adding a Pro-Bowl caliber player at a position of need is on their radar in the coming days.

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