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You've Got Mail: The Top Players On The Roster

Topics include trading down, home-field advantage, and playoff OT strategy

Darren Urban
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Free Agent Primer 2023: Defensive Line

Big change possible with improvement needed, multiple free agents scheduled

Zach Gershman
www.azcardinals.com
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2024 NFL salary cap to be in $250 million range per report

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images The 2024 NFL salary cap may be about $5-6 million more than expected. We are almost to the start of the 2024 NFL offseason. We will know more within the next couple of weeks, as we head into the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. The Combine will provide a large amount discussion and rumors on free agency, but the salary cap will be the first step and Pro Football Talk had some interesting information today. Another source says it will be closer to $250 million than $243 million. https://t.co/i5O8XNEvhy— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 19, 2024 Spotrac has the salary cap tracker for 2024 and they set the number at $245 million, so they have the Arizona Cardinals at $44,639,440 in cap space. For the Cardinals, if the number comes in at $250 million in caps space, then maybe they have around $50 million before they do anything. There is about an easy $15 million they can add: Cutting D.J. Humphries will save a little over $9 million Cutting Zach Pascal saves a little under $2 million Cutting Dennis Daley saves a little over $1.5 million Cutting Cam Thomas saves about $1 million Then there are a bevy of moves like Andre Chachere, Tony Jones, and other veterans they can cut. Now, is that the main focus immediately, or will they wait, especially on Hump? They can also restructure or trade Budda Baker, trading Budda saves over $15 million, while they can restructure him and make up a number. What are your thoughts?

revengeofthebirds.com
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Should Cardinals switch Paris Johnson Jr. to Left Tackle?

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images The decision to move PJJ to LT is complicated Some Cardinals’ fans were disappointed that the GM and coaches decided to play Paris Johnson Jr., the #6 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, at right tackle. Reasons: PJJ was considered by most scouts and draftniks as the top LT prospect in the 2023 class. Moving him to RT was his 3rd position change in 3 years: RG in 2021, LT in 2022, RT in 2023. Fans who were on board with the Cardinals moving PJJ to RT argue that moving sides for a tackle is “no big deal” because, for example, Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions, was able to do it. Yes, Penei Sewell was able to make the switch, although it was not his 3rd position change in 3 years, nor was it just Sewell’s second year of playing tackle. 2022 at Ohio St. was Paris Johnson’s Jr.’s 1st full season playing tackle. Perhaps the best way to explain why moving PJJ to RT could have been a mistake is to look at his bookend RT at Ohio St, Dawand Jones. Ohio St.’s Paris Johnson Jr. at LT and Dawand Jones at RT formed one of the most dominating and prolific tackle tandems in the college football. PFF grades coming into the 2023 NFL Draft: Paris Johnson Jr. 6-6, 313, Pick #6 (R1) to Arizona: Overall Grade at LT: 83.0 Run Blocking: 80.9 Pass Blocking: 77.8 True Set Pass Blocking: 73.4 Sacks: 2 Hurries: 13 PFF Pre-Draft Analysis: Johnson entered Columbus as a top-10 overall recruit in the 2020 class, and after spending his freshman season as a reserve offensive lineman, he became Ohio State’s starting right guard as a sophomore and earned an impressive 83.5 run-blocking grade. Johnson kicked out to left tackle this past season and looked like a natural at the position, as his 83.1 grade ranked fourth among Power Five tackles this past season. He has all of the necessary tools to be a franchise left tackle in the NFL. Paris Johnson Jr. NFL Draft profiles | PFF Dawand Jones, 6-8, 360, Pick #111 (R4) to Cleveland: Overall Grade at RT: 82.1 Run Blocking: 85.0 Pass Blocking: 78.3 True Set Pass Blocking: 73.6 Sacks: 0 Hurries: 5 PFF Pre-Draft Analysis: Jones embodies “first man off the bus” to a tee, as he’s freakishly large at 6-foot-8, 360 pounds with a 7-foot-6 wingspan that broke the Senior Bowl record. At that size with good technique, he swallows opposing defensive linemen. He didn’t allow a single sack or hit this year on 394 pass-blocking snaps, and his 1.3% pressure rate allowed led all FBS tackles. His foot speed is obviously going to be slower at that size, so his recovery against speedier edge defenders in the NFL won’t be great. Dawand Jones NFL Draft profiles | PFF Rookie Seasons for Johnson (ARI) and Jones (CLE) both staters at RT: PFF Grades: Overall Grade: Johnson: 60.1 —- Jones: 64.7 Run Blocking: Johnson: 55.1 —- Jones: 53.5 Pass Blocking: Johnson: 64.2 —- Jones: 73.0 True Set Pass Blocking: Johnson: 73.4 —- Jones: 73.6 Sacks: Johnson: 8 —- Jones: 3 Hurries: Johnson: 42 —- Jones: 21 Penalties: Johnson: 12 —- Jones: 2 These numbers suggest very strongly that familiarity. muscle memory and repetitions at one’s position can often be paramount to one’s success. The Question: Now that Paris Johnson Jr. has played a full year at right tackle, would it be best to keep him there?—- or —- Would it be best to flip him to left tackle, where scouts felt he belonged coming into the NFL from the get-go? The answer might not be as simple as it may seem. The main reason is that once Kyler Murray took over as the starting QB, Paris Johnson Jr.’s game grades started to improve significantly. Rather than list every game grade —- here’s a look at PJJ’s average game grade for the first 9 games (Dobbs, Tune) and his average grade for the last 8 games (Murray)”: 1st 9 —- 54.0 Last 8 —-66.3 Another reason to keep PJJ at RT is the chemistry he has been developing with RG Will Hernandez. Thirdly, flipping PJJ to LT would be 4 position changes for him in the past 4 years, albeit his 2nd year of playing LT. The 2024 NFL Draft —- A Cardinals’ Dilemma?: Top LT Prospects: (with Matt Miller’s player comps) Joe Alt, Jr. 6-8, 317, Notre Dame —- Joe Thomas Olu Fashanu, 6-5, 321, Penn. St. —- Terron Armstead Jordan Morgan, 6-6, 320, Arizona —-Dion Dawkins Troy Fautanu, 6-4, 315, Washington —- Ali Marpet (per LWOS) Top RT Prospects: Taliese Fuaga, 6-6, 325, Oregon St. —- Lane Johnson JC Latham, 6-8, 335, Alabama —- Jawann Taylor (minus red flags) Amarius Mims, 6-7, 340, Georgia —- Cam Robinson (per LWOS) Tyler Guyton, 6-7, 318, Oklahoma —- Anton Harrison Alt, Fashanu and Fuaga are going to be top 12 picks —- should Cardinals invest back-to-back years in a top 10 pick for a tackle?. Latham, Mims and Guyton could be on the board at #27 —- if Cardinals take an offensive player with their first pick, shouldn’t they take the best available defensive player at pick #27? Morgan and Fautanu could be available at pick #35. —- would the Cardinals feel confident enough in Jordan Morgan or Troy Fautanu to be the rookie starter at LT, which would allow them to keep PJJ at RT? Possible Free Agent Signing at LT: Tyron Smith, 6-5, 320, 33, DAL —- one of the best LTs in the NFL. 2023 PFF grade: 83.7 (14 games) —- spotrac projected salary: $7.8M a year. Josh Jones, 6-5, 310, 26, HOU —- in 2022, had a superb 9 game stretch as starting LT in ARI, grading 75.8 overall, 75.9 pass blocking, 74.0 run blocking —- 2023 PFF grade at HOU: 49.7 (2 starts at LG and 1 start at LT) —- we know he’s not a fit at guard. A reasonable contract offer with incentives could work. Possible Free Agent Signings at RT: Jermiane Eluemunor, 6-4, 330, 29, LV —- Monti knows him from the two years Jermaine played in NE, he’s coming off good back-to-back season for the Raiders, grading 75.3 in 2022 and 68.5 in 2023 Jack Driscoll, 6-5, 312, 26, PHI —- was Lane Johnson’s backup at PHI, which means he didn’t play much, but JG would know how talented a tackle Driscoll is. Had a 70.5 grade in his one season of taking over 500 snaps, back in 2021. Recent grades in spot duty at right tackle and right guard have been 61.0 in 2022 and 48.5 in 2023. Cardinals’ Current Depth at tackle: Paris Johnson Jr.—- coming off strong finish to his rookie campaign, PJJ has said he will be ready to play LT or RT this season. Kelvin Beachum —- swing, multi-year starter at RT (did a solid job at LT after D.J. Humphries was injured, had a 70.6 grade at RT in 2022 as the only OL to start all 17 games). Carter O’Donnell LT —- had a 54.1 grade when called on the play LG this season —- he is one of Klayton Adams’ developmental players. Jackson Barton RT —- had a solid pre-season at RT, physical developmental player. ROTB Poll: How did you vote and why? I will chime in with my top preference after a good number of you indicate yours.

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Coaching and Politics

Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images For many coaches, maneuvering around politics is the ultimate survival test Anyone who has played or coached organized sports knows how politics can affect who makes the team, who starts on the team and what person coaches the team. In 2000. after coaching football, basketball and baseball for over 20 years, the basketball team I was coaching at Foxborough High School was coming off the deepest run in the Southeastern Massachusetts State Tournament in school history, having beaten 2 of the top 3 seeds and one of our fiercest league rivals on this miraculous shot: Pat Smith, the young man who made the 65-foot shot, was our unsung, super-glue player who did all the little things that help a team win basketball games. It helped too that he was the QB on the football team. The team lost in the state semifinal a few days later, but 4 of the top 6 players were returning, including our top 3 scorers. We were very excited about getting another chance a year later. Well, a week before the first day of tryouts, I was in the middle of teaching a class when the assistant principal knocked on the door and told me that I was wanted in the principal’s office and that she would sub in for me while I was gone. When I asked what this was about, she rolled her eyes. Uh-oh, I thought. What in the world could it be? When I walked into the office there was one chair for me across from a panel of the new superintendent, the school principal, the athletic director, the business manager and the Foxborough High School’s union rep for teachers. “Sit down,” the superintendent said. “You recently had a sign up for tryouts, correct?” “Yes, last week,” I replied. “Well word has come to me that you crossed a student’s name off of the list.” “Why would I ever do that?” “We happen to know who the student is, and he has been so depressed by this that he has started seeing a counselor.” When she told me the name —- bells went off. This young man’s father was a long-time basketball coach at other schools. Also, he was the color commentator on our games for the town TV station and his nickname for me was “Coach Lucky.” After games I had heard he had been talking with other parents about going as a group to the superintendent and principal to ask that they fire “Coach Lucky” and hire him as the new head coach. His two kids were coming up through the program and this was his chance to coach his kids. His plan to replace me as coach was so elaborate that it included running to be a member of the school committee —- an election which he won, And now, obviously, he had been currying favor with the new superintendent (and vice versa) —- who was hired by —- of course, the school committee. I informed the superintendent that I had the signup list in my coaching folder up in my classroom and I could show it to her and the panel, but she said she didn’t need to see the list because heard from two witnesses who saw me crossing out the kid’s name. What a total crock. So, as my head was spinning, I then realized that if they had pulled me out of class for this, what could this mean for my future at the school as a teacher? I was in my critical 3rd-year of teaching at the school, because if the 3rd year goes well, then I would receive “professional status”, aka tenure. If not, they would have to let me go. Thus, I asked the superintendent, “Could coaching basketball have any affect my future at the school as a teacher?” She peered at me in clear contempt and said, “At the end of this year we can do anything we want —- we can let you go and by state law we don’t have to give you any reason why.” After the meeting, the athletic director was furious and disgusted, but he told me his hands were tied. He told me that there was no way in hell he was going to hire the parent who precipitated all of this. Unless, of course, he was forced to. The next morning, I submitted my resignation as basketball coach to the superintendent and principal. My 21-years of high school coaching had come to an end. I have always felt a special gratitude for all of the exemplary coaches I coached with and most of all, for all of the outstanding student/athletes I had the privilege of working with. Heck, if it weren’t for this former player, I would have never made it to Foxborough High school: Facebook Yet, as much as I loved coaching, my first love was always teaching. There was no way I could jeopardize my teaching career. The parent was not hired. Another coach was hired. Three weeks later the team won its first game under the new head coach. He started the parent’s son who had complained how traumatized he was by me crossing his name off the sign-up list, and while I was in the school cafeteria the next day on lunch duty wiping off tables, one of the school’s department heads who often had snide, derogatory words for me came over and said, “You know, the players are all excited. I heard them saying ‘thank God we have a real coach now.’” Problem was —- by mid-season the team had only won 2 games and 2 of the top 3 scorers had quit the team. There would be no opportunity to qualify for the State Tournament this time around. It pains me to say that for the sake of the players on the team and for not being able to pick up where we left off. But, at least it got that department head off my back, that is, where basketball was concerned. I wanted you to know how my 21-year coaching career ended in the hope that you might have a better understanding of my sensitivity when I read statements like the one I saw yesterday from a Cardinals’ podcaster who said, “let’s see what Kyler does now that he’s in a real NFL offense.”

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In A Re-Draft, Paris Johnson At 6 Understandable With 7 Looming

Raiders were potentially looking for offensive line upgrade

Darren Urban/Word From The Birds
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What will it take for the Arizona Cardinals to make the playoffs in 2024?

A healthy and productive Kyler Murray is perhaps the most important factor in the Cardinals making an ahead-of-schedule playoff run in 2024. | Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports The Cardinals just spent January watching the playoffs from home... again. What will it take for that to change in 2024? For the second straight year, and sixth time in seven years, the Arizona Cardinals were at home for the playoffs. Not at home like having a home playoff game, but at home as in watching from the couch. But hey, at least the Niners lost, right? So what’ll it take to get this team back into the postseason for the first time since that beatdown at the hands of the Rams after the 2021 season? It’ll be a steep uphill climb for a team coming off a 4-13 season, but quick turnarounds happen all the time in today’s NFL. Case in point: Did anyone see the Houston Texans, coming off a 3-13-1 season, not only making the playoffs this year but winning a game? (Certainly not Monti Ossenfort, unfortunately.) With that in mind, here is a quick list of five things that will need to happen for the Cardinals to make it back to the playoffs this season. 1. A Full, Healthy Season from Kyler Murray With very few exceptions, you need an elite QB to get into the postseason. Sure, you could be last year’s Browns (one of the league’s best defenses and a resurgent Joe Flacco) or Steelers (Mike Tomlin teams just doesn’t have losing records) or the 2022 Giants (one of the all-time WTF? playoff teams), but, for the most part, you need a Pro Bowl–caliber QB at the helm. Kyler already has two Pro Bowls under his belt, and he seems fully recovered from his ACL injury. Now he’ll be able to get a full offseason in and should be able to recapture that Pro Bowl form. Him staying healthy and productive next season is the first step in challenging for a playoff berth. 2. (Way) More Production from the WRs Step two is surrounding him with more talent at wide receiver. (We’ll get to the O-line in a minute.) Last season, the Cardinals had one of the least productive WR rooms in the league. Part of it was due to subpar QB play while Kyler was out, but Hollywood Brown was a massive disappointment (51/574/4 TDs, 11.3 YPC) in his walk year, and the team was never able to find a reliable third WR option behind rookie Michael Wilson (a pleasant surprise with a 38/565/3 TD, 14.9 YPC line). You have to figure Brown is gone, and Ossenfort will almost certainly take a WR with the team’s #4 overall pick, plus add another potential starter later in the draft or in free agency. Whatever he does with the position, the team needs much more production at WR to go along with blossoming stud TE Trey McBride and stalwart RB James Conner. 3. Fortifications Along the Trenches The O-line actually held up pretty well this last year (the #4 rushing attack in the league, #19 in sacks against), but Ossenfort will need to add a starting tackle with D.J. Humphries likely out for the year with an ACL, and we need to add a long-term starter at LG as well. A stronger O-line combined with more talent at WR could really get this offense humming. But even more than O-line, Ossenfort needs to focus on fortifying the D-line, which was a glaring weak point in 2023. PFF grades should be taken with a grain of salt, but we had SIX members of the D-line rotation grade in the 30s/40s, two more hovering around 60, with only the anonymous Ray Lopez grading as anything close to average at 65. He basically needs to rebuild the entire line. That’s probably a multi-offseason job, but that unit HAS to be dramatically improved in 2024 for this team to improve enough to sniff the playoffs. 4. Rebuild the CB Room Yep, that’s another position, along with WR and DL, that needs to be basically completely overhauled. The guy who graded the highest in 2023, Andre Chachere, was a waiver claim and a converted safety. The guy who played the most, Antonio Hamilton Sr., is a serviceable journeyman who wouldn’t be a top-2 CB for the majority of the teams in the league. None of the young guys (Garrett Williams, Kei’Trel Clark, Starling Thomas V, et. al) impressed or showed any consistency whatsoever. MAYBE one of those guys makes a leap, but it’s clear that Ossenfort needs to add at least two starting-caliber corners, if not three. Like D-line, that’s almost certainly not doable in just one offseason, but finding at least one long-term answer at CB is a must if this team is going to get to .500 or better. 5. Regression from Division Rivals Finally, a (winless) 4th-place finish in the NFC West isn’t going to cut it for this team to have a shot to make the playoffs. We’ll need to leapfrog at least one—if not two—of our division rivals to even be a factor. The Niners don’t seem to be going anywhere (even though they just axed a familiar face as DC), but can the Redbirds overtake the Rams or Seahawks in 2024? The Rams are coming off a playoff berth with a resurgent offense and scrappy defense, but all it would take is age or injury issues for Matthew Stafford for them to have another down year like 2022. And the SeaChickens will be breaking in a new, first-time coach and are coming off a down year themselves. If Geno Smith again fails to recapture his 2022 form and the new coach stumbles, the Cardinals could be the beneficiary. Final Thoughts A ton would have to go right for the Cardinals to make the playoffs, but it’s certainly possible in today’s NFL. If Ossenfort is able to get a healthy Kyler some WRs to throw to and strengthen the O-line, he could have another Pro Bowl–type season, which is key to getting into the playoff hunt. The defense should still be a problem, sure, but improvement at DL at CB could see the unit approach respectability instead of again being one of the worst in the league. And then we’d just need to hope for regression from division rivals (or other NFC would-be contenders). It’s asking a lot, but I’m telling you there’s a chance. Just ask the Texans. Your turn, RotBers. Is it too early to be talking about the playoffs? (I mean, it’s February.) Or should fans be expecting results sooner rather than later? Vote in the poll and drop us a line in the comments.

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Steve Wilks relieved of defensive coordinator duties by the San Francisco 49ers

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images The Niners are making a change at defensive coordinator after their run to the Super Bowl. Someone had to go, right? At least that seemed to be the sentiment after another blown lead by a Kyle Shanahan team in the Super Bowl. Kyle cannot fire himself, so he decided that former Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Steve Wilks would be the man to fall on the sword. The San Francisco 49ers coach announced today that they have let go of Steve Wilks as the teams defensive coordinator. The Niners defense wasn’t awful, but over the last two months, since the Arizona Cardinals game they have not played well. Their rush defense was giving up an average of 137 yards per game and 24 points per game overall (including the playoffs). In the playoffs, his defenses gave up an astounding 150 yards per game rushing. People want to make it about the Super Bowl, but from someone I trust, the discontent stemmed from how he was utilizing the front seven of the Niners defense, something they obviously had invested incredibly heavily in. A lot of that was the schemes for the defensive ends and linebackers. So, if people want to make it about the Super Bowl that is fine, but this seemed to be coming unless they won it all. Good luck to Wilks in his next endeavor.

revengeofthebirds.com
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One Year After Jonathan Gannon's Arrival

Cardinals coach has made inroads as he reaches hiring anniversary

Darren Urban
www.azcardinals.com
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Dane Brugler releases his top 100 2024 NFL Draft Big Board

Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK Where do the Arizona Cardinals pick and what prospects are in that range? For the Arizona Cardinals we will know much, much more about their draft strategy in about 35 days. Until then, we will look at some of the top free agents available, who fits with the Arizona Cardinals and more. Starting with the 2024 NFL Draft. Dane Brugler, the head draft writer for The Athletic has updated his 2024 NFL Draft Big Board Top 100. So, how does Dane’s big board jive with where the Arizona Cardinals pick? Let’s take a look at the 3-5 players around where the Cardinals pick and if they fit (note: All QB’s were removed). 1.04 - Marvin Harrison Jr (Dane’s 2nd overall player); Malik Nabers (3), Brock Bowers (5), Joe Alt (6), Rome Odunze (7) So, with their first pick the Cardinals have three wide receivers, an offensive tackle and a tight end. That gives them some options, but for me it would mean taking MHJ unless he is not available. 1.27 - Cooper DeJean (23); Nate Wiggins (25); Chop Robinson (26); Graham Barton (27); Keon Coleman (28); Kool-Aid McKinstry (29); Jer’Zhan Newton (30) A lot of choices here, all fit quite nicely for what the Cardinals need. 2.35 - Jordan Morgan (32); T’Vondre Sweat (33); Ladd McConkey (34); Adonai Mitchell (35), Zach Frazier (36); Kingsley Suamataia (38) Again, this draft looks like it could be a huge chance for the Cardinals to get at least three early starters/high level contributors. 3.66 - Blake Fisher, OT (63); Devontez Walker, WR (64); Jalen McMillan, WR (65); Kris Jenkins, DT (66); Dominick Puni, OT (67); Calen Bullock, S (68) 3.71 - Andru Phillips, CB (69); Jonathan Brooks, RB (70); Christian Haynes, IOL (71); Javon Bullard, S (72); Blake Corum, RB (73); Tommy Eichenberg, LB (74) 3.90 - Audric Estime, RB (87); Jaylen Wright, RB (89); Braden Fiske, DT (90); Isaiah Adams, OG (91); Trey Benson, RB (92), Sedrick Van Pran, IOL (93) If we are just taking players around that this is how I would do things. 1.04 - Marvin Harrison JR, WR - Ohio State1.27 - Cooper DeJean, CB - Iowa2.35 - T’Vondre Sweat, DT - Texas3.66 - Blake Fisher, OT - Notre Dame3.71 - Tommy Eichenburg, LB - Ohio State3.90 - Braden Fiske, DT - Florida State How would you like to see the Arizona Cardinals attack the draft using Dane’s Big Board?

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You've Got Mail: Cardinals Don't Need To Go Mad About Playoffs

Topics include defense in free agency, the edge trade market, and long-distance fandom

Darren Urban
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Red Rain Podcast: Marcos Labrada’s Off-Season Plan for Arizona Cardinals

We welcome back Marcos Labrada of AZ Underground and Revenge of the Birds Reboot Podcast with Blake Murphy to share his thoughts about the front office, coaching staff and player personnel. Kyle “L’ll Rock” and I offer our reactions and thoughts about each of Marcos’ key points. Thanks, as always, to Marcos for his thoughtful and well-researched contributions.

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2023 ROTB Pick 3 Vs. Spread Champion

Final Standings: 39 CCF 38 iacardsfan Congratulations to CCF for winning his 2nd championship in 3 years. The red Cardinals’ hat is yours! In light of the tremendous success you had, iacardsfan, in bringing this competition right down to the Super Bowl, I would like to send you this prize for 2nd place: Please email me at waltermitchell@comcast.net with your address and I will send the keychain to you via Amazon. Thanks to all of you who participated in the competition this year. The weekly turnout was impressive!

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PFF post-Super Bowl 2024 NFL Mock Draft

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images The Arizona Cardinals get a wide receiver and cornerback in round one and an offensive tackle in round two of newest mock draft. Happy off season one and all. The Kansas City Chiefs are once again the champions of the NFL world and that means the Cardinals are almost on the clock. We are close to the NFL Combine, then free agency rumors and more. Then we will get to the 2024 NFL Draft. However, we got to get those Mock Drafts in and Trevor Sikkema of PFF has his Post-Super Bowl 2024 NFL Mock Draft and it would be a nice haul for the Arizona Cardinals. 4. Marvin Harrison Jr, WR - Ohio State This pick shouldn’t be written in stone, as Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort is keen on maneuvering within the top 10. But with all three quarterbacks already off the board, I expect them to take the best player in the draft in Marvin Harrison Jr. here. 27. Nate Wiggins, CB - Clemson Wiggins is one of the top cover corners in this draft and could very well go ahead of this spot. But his lack of playweight might sway some teams away. The Cardinals shouldn’t be one of them, as Wiggins could be an impact player for them as a potential CB1. 35. Kingsley Suamataia, OT - BYU As always, outside of MHJ I tend to worry less about the names and more about the positions. Getting a potential starting cornerback and an potential starter along the offensive line to pair with a wide receiver would be ideal. In this scenario, with the benefit of hindsight, I would go: 4. MHJ27. Darius Robinson, DE - Missouri35. Ennis Rakestraw, CB - Missouri Getting Robinson and Rakestraw and then adding either a Cooper Beebe (in this scenario he is available) or maybe adding Jeremiah Trotter then Beebe at 71. I like the original mock don’t get me wrong, but Robinson and Rakestraw would be a huge get.

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The Gold Rush in Arizona

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Take a good look at a signature play and the team’s rushing statistics this past season There are a number of superb plays on offense the Cardinals executed to near perfection this past season. This one in Week 18, in particular, felt particularly sweet: MAMA, THERE GOES THAT MAN @JamesConner_ x #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/PvLZmXICRx— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) January 7, 2024 Classic Drew Petzing 13 Personnel (1 RB 3 TEs) Notice how all 3 TEs make key blocks on the play: Quadruple down-blocks by #85 TE Trey McBride, #81 TE Travis Vokolek, LT #68 Kelvin Beachum, LG #65 Elijah Wilkinson to wall off the inside —- Kick ass kick-out block on the edge by pulling #76 RG Will Hernandez —- Perfect iso lead block on CB #27 Tariq Woolen by #84 TE Elijah Higgins —- Notice how James Conner on the handoff take a counter step to give the OL and TEs the time to let the blocks develop and then he bursts through the hole on a clear path to the end zone. Perfect timing on Conner’s part. Kudos to Kyler Murray for his perfect ball handling on the play and look at how, immediately after the handoff, he swifty turns his head to the right to looks back at #54 MLB Bobby Wagner to sell a potential bootleg or waggle to Wagner’s side. It freezes Wagner who now won’t be able to chase the play. In addition, notice how #72 C Hjalte Froholdt seals off the middle vacated by Will Hernandez’s pull and #70 RT Paris Johnson Jr. seals off any threat of backside penetration from the edge and blitzer. This is classic “hat on hat” smashmouth and “attention to detail” football, with all 11 players doing their jobs to near perfection. Note: every player on the field on this play is under contract for next season, save for LG Elijah Wilkerson. After a rough start to the season and spending 4 weeks on the IR during the middle of the season with a neck injury, after Wilkinson’s return, he had by far, his 3 best games of the season. A Cardinals’ Rushing Season to Behold: Rushing Yards —- 2,365 —- #4 in NFL Yards Per Carry —- 5.0 —- #2 in NFL Rushing TDs —- 17 —- #10 in NFL Rushes for 20+ Yards —- 23 —- #1 in NFL Rushes for 40+ Yards —- 5 —- #2 in NFL Rushes for 1st Downs —- 127 —- #6 in NFL Rush 1st Down % —- 27.0% —- #5 in NFL Rushing Fumbles —- 9 —- #4 fewest in NFL This was an Arizona Gold Rush. And, the best possible news is, it appears that the Cardinals are on the verge of discovering a mother lode.

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Super Bowl LVIII news and notes on the Kansas City Chiefs

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Taking a look at the Kansas City Chiefs as they prepare for Super Bowl LVIII Happy Sunday morning one and all. The Kansas City Chiefs look to make it back-to-back Super Bowl wins, this time over the Arizona Cardinals NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers. Arrowhead Pride has been on the ground in Las Vegas and here is what they have on all the news and notes coming out of the Chiefs side of things. Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl LVIII Chris Jones embracing the villain role - Arrowhead PrideKansas City’s defensive star discussed the Chiefs’ changing national perception, a tough playoff road, and his health at Opening Night. Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl LVIII: Isiah Pacheco says it will take everyone - Arrowhead PrideKansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is determined to have a big game against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Chiefs News: Owner says Andy Reid was the mature leader his team needed - Arrowhead PrideSpeaking in Las Vegas on Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs’ owner Clark Hunt remembered how head coach Andy Reid first came to the team. Chiefs News: Patrick Mahomes approaches 4th Super Bowl without regrets - Arrowhead PrideThe Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes discussed all things Super Bowl ahead of Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Chiefs News: Travis Kelce says he will miss football when he retires - Arrowhead PrideKansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce loves football, and wants to keep playing it as long as he can. He and the Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Chiefs News: Defenders love Steve Spagnuolo because he loves them - Arrowhead PrideUnder coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive players and staff have normalized saying, "I love you." Chiefs News: Mahomes, Kelce focusing on Super Bowl LVIII’s second half - Arrowhead PridePatrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce realize that the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC Championship despite a poor offensive showing after halftime. Chiefs News: Marquez Valdes-Scantling has played with NFL’s best QBs - Arrowhead PrideOn Tuesday, the Kansas City Chiefs’ veteran wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling discussed his clutch playoff performances and Super Bowl experience. Chiefs News: Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes recall starting the playoff run - Arrowhead PrideLate in the season, the Kansas City Chiefs were in a rough spot — but head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes knew that things could be fixed. Chiefs News: Eric Bieniemy spoke ahead of AFC Title win vs. Ravens - Arrowhead PrideNow-former Washingon Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was a coach with the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid from 2013-22. Chiefs News: Charles Omenihu placed on IR, Skyy Moore activated - Arrowhead PrideKansas City has placed Charles Omenihu on Reserve/Injured and activated Skyy Moore to the roster. Following the Chiefs from afar has changed with Patrick Mahomes and the team’s ‘villain phase’ - Arrowhead PrideThe Chiefs were an afterthought nationally for years. Now, everyone has an opinion on them. Here’s what it has been like for out of market fans during an era of winning. Chiefs News: Willie Gay says defense must force 49ers to pass the ball - Arrowhead PrideAccording to the team’s veteran linebacker Willie Gay Jr., the Kansas City Chiefs need to make the San Francisco 49ers offense one-dimensional during Super Bowl LVIII. Chiefs News: Travis Kelce ‘comfortable’ in the chaos of Super Bowl week - Arrowhead PrideOn Wednesday, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce discussed the big game’s exhausting media coverage and Eric Bieniemy’s recent visit to the team. The Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday. Chiefs News; Running backs are up for the challenge of Super Bowl LVIII - Arrowhead PrideKansas City Chiefs running backs Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon have provided ability (and leadership) all the way to the championship game. Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl LVIII: How Chiefs can stop Christian McCaffrey - Arrowhead PrideThe 49ers’ All-Pro running back will provide Kansas City with a great challenge. Chiefs Roster: 3 biggest offensive questions before Sunday’s Super Bowl - Arrowhead PrideWhat offensive problems will the Kansas City Chiefs have to solve to defeat the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s Super Bowl LVIII game in Las Vegas? Chiefs News: Jawaan Taylor dedicating Super Bowl to late grandmother - Arrowhead PrideDuring Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor will be playing against San Francisco with a heavy heart. Chiefs News: Steve Spagnuolo’s top defense was five years in the making - Arrowhead PrideThe Kansas City Chiefs’ defense has gradually ascended under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, becoming one of the NFL’s best units in 2023. Chiefs News: Harrison Butker treating Super Bowl like any other game - Arrowhead PrideTo achieve consistency, the Kansas City Chiefs’ placekicker Harrison Butker treats each game like any other. Chiefs News: Mahomes-Kelce mind meld extends to Andy Reid - Arrowhead PrideIt has been said that Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have telepathic communication, but that also includes the head coach, Andy Reid. The Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl LVIII: How the Chiefs’ offense can attack the 49ers’ defense - Arrowhead PrideThe San Francisco defense is made up of star players, but the unit has been exploitable this postseason. Chiefs Roster: 3 biggest defensive questions before Sunday’s Super Bowl - Arrowhead PrideWhat defensive problems will the Kansas City Chiefs have to solve to defeat the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s Super Bowl LVIII game in Las Vegas? Chiefs’ Rashee Rice credits Travis Kelce, coaches for development - Arrowhead PrideKansas City Chiefs wide rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice is looking to make an impact against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Chiefs News: Steve Young says Taylor Swift is now a Chiefs’ superpower - Arrowhead PrideHall of Fame quarterback Steve Young thinks the Kansas City Chiefs has flipped the script on what would normally be a distraction: Travis Kelce’s romance with Taylor Swift. Chiefs News: Chris Jones doesn’t know what Kansas City future holds - Arrowhead PrideJones discusses his uncertain future with the Chiefs prior to Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup vs. the 49ers.

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2024 Senior Bowl standouts and who fits with the Arizona Cardinals; talking Kliff Kingsbury with Commanders

Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Talking Senior Bowl and Kliff Kingsubry. Happy Saturday morning one and all. The Arizona Cardinals were heavily involved in the Senior Bowl, we all wish it was the Super Bowl and maybe it will be soon, but this year getting a front row seat at the Senior Bowl wasn’t a bad thing. Jess and I sat down and discussed a number of prospects on the offensive side and defensive side of the ball, how they fit with the Arizona Cardinals and where we could see them going during the draft. First though, it was a discussion about Kliff Kingsbury getting a new gig, once again. Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating! Times and topics: (1:00) Kliff Kingsbury and his new job with the Commanders (24:10) Senior Bowl standouts – offensive prospects (47:33) Senior Bowl standout – defensive prospects

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Shouldn’t the Cardinals add a veteran defensive advisor to the 2024 coaching staff?

Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK Other new coaches are doing it, why not the Cardinals? Jonathan Gannon has made it clear that he would not have taken the Cardinals’ head coaching job in 2023 if he was going to be asked to run and call the defensive plays. The same cannot be said of NFL Coach of the Year runner-up, DeMeco Ryans in Houston. AP Coach of the YearStefanski wins with more 1st place votes Kevin Stefanski 21-18-6 = 165 DeMeco Ryans 20-21-2 = 165 Dan Campbell 3-3-9 = 33 Kyle Shanahan 3-3-2 = 26 John Harbaugh 2-2-10 = 26 Sean McVay 1-2-10 = 21 Mike Tomlin 0-1-2 = 5 Shane Steichen…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) February 9, 2024 While Ryans was taking charge of the Texans’ defense, he hired former Cardinals’ assistant Matt Burke as his DC, right-hand man and defensive line coach. Matt Burke is now in his 21st NFL season and had previous NFL experience as a DC with the Dolphins in 2017 and 2028. Jonathan Gannon decided to go an entirely different route at DC by hiring 30-year-old Nick Rallis, his LB coach from Philly. Rallis is a talented young coach but came to Arizona with only 3 years of NFL experience as a position coach with no experience coordinating an NFL defense or calling the plays. The question is —- why didn’t JG elect to hire an experienced DC like Mike Zimmer or George Edwards whom he worked with in Minnesota? Plus, after tabbing Nick Rallis as DC and the telling the media that he was planning to hire some veteran advisors to the young staff, why did that never happen? Did JG try to hire some advisors, but got turned down by Zimmer and/or Edwards and/or others? Did Michael Bidwill want to put a cap on staff salaries, particularly in light of having to pay Kliff Kingsbury the balance of the $30M remaining on his 5-year contract extension in 2022? Interestingly, just yesterday the Cowboys and Jerry Jones hired Mike Zimmer to succeed Dan Quinn as the team’s DC. At the same time, two of the new defensive-minded HCs, Antonio Pierce (LV) and Mike Macdonald (SEA) have hired Marvin Lewis (who lives in AZ) and Leslie Frazier, respectively, to be their defensive advisors. 2023 Defensive DVOA: ARI (Rallis)—- 32nd BAL (Macdonald) —- 1st LV (Graham) —- 8th Why Eagles’ Fans Were Frustrated with Jonathan Gannon’s Defense: When I had an Eagles’ pundit Ed Kratz (of SI) on Red Rain and John Stolnis (SB Nation) had me on his, both of them said that the three biggest complaints that Eagles fans had about JG’s defense: 1. Lack of creativity 2. Lack of blitzes 3. Soft zones I have to be honest and say those issues in AZ came up in spades this past season. I mean how does a defense go the last 6 games creating only 1 sack? And that was a -1 yard chasing out of bounds of Justin Fields by Dennis Gardeck. Zones in the NFL won’t work without a pass rush. Or against QBs like Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy who float away from pressure long enough to get the ball to open receivers in the gray areas of the zone. For those Cardinals’ fans who have been citing a lack of talent as the main reason why the team defense struggled so mightily this past season, and for those of us who felt the Cardinals’ defense was flawed because of questionable personnel decisions, unorthodox substitution patterns and vanilla schemes —- the questions are: Deja Vu? One of the more perplexing staff decisions that Bruce Arians made was replacing Todd Bowles as DC with James Bettcher who was in his late 20s and only had two years of NFL coaching experience as a position coach. Like Nick Rallis, Bettcher was a linebackers coach. Note, when Arians promoted Bettcher, Dick LeBeau and Jim Schwartz (named NFL assistant coach of the year in 2023 were available. One of the more cogent explanations as to why Bruce Arians’ tenure in Arizona started to decline was “cronyism.” Not only with James Bettcher, but with oft-struggling STC Amos Jones. As young and talented as Nick Rallis appears to be, with his relative lack of experience, can the Cardinals expect that he will be able match wits in the NFC West with Kyler Shanahan, Sean McVay and whomever the Seahawks hire (rumors are that Chip Kelly is interested and that they may be interested in offensive coaches in SF and KC)? Between JG and Nick Rallis, the Cardinals have 3 years of NFL experience at DC. Does that concern you? And does it concern you that the coach with more experience and one year of NFL success doesn’t want to take full charge of the defense?

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Dwight Freeney, Brief But Impactful Cardinal, Elected To Hall Of Fame

Veteran sparked team's pass rush in 2015 season

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49ers billboard in Arizona Cardinals land, new NFL head coach opponents, Senior Bowl measurements

Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports We discuss the billboard of Purdy, the new head coaches the Arizona Cardinals will face and more. Happy Thursday one and all. We are a little behind in the podcast department, not that we haven’t done them, I just was gone all weekend and missed posting it. Thankfully, the information is still very relevant, so we can get this one out this evening, before getting this weeks out tomorrow. Jess and I discuss a San Francisco 49ers player getting a billboard in Arizona. Then, how does the coaching carousel affect the Arizona Cardinals in 2024? Finally, we discuss some of the Senior Bowl measurements. Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating! Times and topics: (1:00) The deal with the billboard about Brock Purdy in Phoenix (14:32) The new NFL head coaches and which ones the Cardinals face in 2024 (26:03) Senior Bowl measurement takeaways

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Three under-the-radar free agents to be in Super Bowl LVIII

Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images While the big names are known; Chris Jones, L’Jarius Sneed, and Chase Young there are a couple of players who will be on the field on Sunday at Super Bowl LVIII who could be nice additions for the Arizona Cardinals this offseason. Here are three under-the-radar free agents to be that could fit with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason from the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. Drue Tranquill, LB - Kansas City Chiefs Tranquill has been the lead backup for the Chiefs this year, and he played 57% of the snaps and could be looking for more playing time. His size, athleticism and down-hill style of play would be a nice addition and pair well with Kyzir White and give the Cardinals two rangy, versatile linebackers. Michael Danna, Edge - Kansas City Chiefs Danna had a nice season for the Chiefs as a rotational pass rusher and with the Chiefs looking to retain both Jones and Sneed, he could be a causality of that. Danna has gone from 2.5 sacks to 6.5 sacks since his rookie season, and his snap percentage has gone from 38% to 74%. He looks like an excellent base edge for the Cardinals with pass rush upside. Javon Kinlaw, DT - San Francisco 49ers Kinlaw stayed healthy for the first time since his rookie season and put up good numbers on a defensive line that has a ton of investment. Kinlaw finished with 3.5 sacks and four tackles for loss and is only going to be 27 in October. A one to two year prove it deal could be ideal for both sides.

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Cardinals Top Plays Of 2023: Special Teams

Trickery by the Cardinals gives McBride the TD and top special teams play of 2023

Zach Gershman
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Remembering Jonathan Cooper And The Lack Of Draft Guarantees

Stanton recalls how guard was dominating before rookie broke his leg

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Red Rain Podcast: Budda Trade? Free Agent Competition? Senior Bowl Prospects at Pick 27?

Hear Kyle Ledbetter’s answer to the question of whether the Cardinals should sign Budda Baker to a contract extension or trade him. And my prediction of what the Cardinals will decide to do. With 5 of the 7 new head coaches being defensive-minded, could that affect the Cardinals’ ability to sign the “best-fit” defensive UFAs they are most interested in? There are few players at the Senior Bowl who made interesting late 1st round cases for themselves, which is creating higher intrigue for the Cardinals at pick #27. ROTB Polls: How did you vote? Do you agree with Kyle’s answer about Budda Baker?

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Cardinals Reacts Survey: Who are you rooting for in the Super Bowl LVIII?

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports We ask who you are rooting for and which player from either team you would want on the Arizona Cardinals. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Arizona Cardinals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. It is finally time for the Super Bowl and that means we have a couple of questions for the week. First off, who are you rooting for? This one is easy for me, as the Kansas City Chiefs are doing something special, they don’t play in the NFC West, and they have potentially the best player of his generation in Patrick Mahomes. Speaking of Mahomes, if you could have any player from either team outside of Mahomes (because I don’t care what team you are the answer is Mahomes) who would it be? Obviously 100+ potential answers can’t be listed, but we put the big names on there and obviously if you like someone else, throw their name in the comments. Again, for me this is easy. It is Nick Bosa, followed by Chris Jones, then from there it is pick your favorite. I like Brandon Aiyuk quite a bit, and L’Jarius Sneed, so there are plenty of options, but just wanted to see what you think. Please take our survey

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Cardinals Bring Back Dan Chisena On Futures Deal

Wide receiver had been with Ravens during postseason

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Lance Zierlein 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 has Arizona Cardinals going offensive heavy

Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images The veteran NFL Draft writer dropped his first mock draft of the 2024 NFL season. We are heavy into NFL Mock Draft season, with the Arizona Cardinals and the rest of the NFL waiting for Sunday to come and go. Once the Super Bowl has come and gone, we then get to get into the NFL Combine, NFL free agency then the 2024 NFL Draft. However, until then we continue to just have fun with the daily mocks that come out. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com dropped his 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 yesterday and it is a little different than any we have seen. From NFL.com: 4. Arizona Cardinals - Rome Odunze, WR, Washington The Cardinals need to add a big wideout. My comp for Odunze is Larry Fitzgerald. Perfect fit in Arizona. Zierlein goes: Caleb Williams Jayden Daniels Marvin Harrison Jr. So that leaves Odunze as the pick from Zierlein. In this scenario I would prefer that the Cardinals do what Lance has the Chargers doing, move down to eight with the Falcons. He doesn’t give any indication on compensation, but here is what I would think: Cardinals receive - Picks 1.08, 2.43 and 2025 2nd round pick (1870 points received + a future 2nd) Falcons receive - 1.04 and 7.227 (1802 points received) We can’t for sure say what happens next, but if we just keep the things the same, look at the options: Malik Nabers Brock Bowers Olu Fashanu Jer’Zhan Newton Terrion Arnold Laiatu Latu Super good problem to have, plus a pick in the second and a future second. Look at what Lance did with the second pick in round one for the Cardinals: 27. Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon Powers-Johnson was having a standout Senior Bowl week until he exited with a nagging hamstring injury. He has the size, strength and versatility to step in and start at guard or center. Interesting and something different and new. That would be a welcome addition, would likely start immediately at left guard and then you have to figure out the left tackle situation. So, in this situation let’s play out the second round (again I plugged in the whole first round into the simulator, this time using NFL Mock Draft Database). I gave the player at the highest position of need to each team (highest ranked on the consensus big board as well). That led to the Cardinals draft by me: 1.08 - Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama (again not changing any picks despite the trade)1.27 - Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon2.35 - Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon2.43 - T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas Or Zierlein’s: 1.04 - Rome Odunze, WR, Washington1.27 - Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon What do you think?

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Post Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl Arizona Cardinals Mock

Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images Here is an array of talented players who stood out to me in the post-season All-Star bowls You know the more I think about Kliff Kingsbury’s situation in D.C. .... How do you keep a bunch of great people in suspense? I’ll tell you later! Turning our focus to the prospects who imo stood out at the East West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl, here is a mock of some players who could make a good deal of sense for the 2024 Arizona Cardinals: (note —- some of the players will be taken earlier, some later, thus it’s the quality of the players who count right now, not where they are taken) 1A: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio St. Much to my delight, when I went to the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, Marvin Harrison Jr. was available. Mel’s take: 2024 NFL draft rankings: Mel Kiper’s Big Board, best prospects - ESPN I have an elite grade on Harrison, whose name should be familiar. His dad is that Marvin Harrison, whom I scouted coming out of Syracuse in 1996 and is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The younger Harrison is on track to get my highest pre-draft grade for a wideout since Calvin Johnson (2007) and Larry Fitzgerald (2004). Harrison has everything, from outstanding size and stellar hands to incredible body control and blazing speed. His dad ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash before the 1996 draft but was just under 6 feet when the Colts took him in Round 1. Harrison Jr. is four inches taller and could have similar speed. He caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards with 14 touchdowns last season. He had 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 15 total touchdowns during 2023. 1B: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas Per ESPN’s Matt Miller: Murphy was asked to play over the tackle in Texas’ 3-3-5 scheme, but his power and burst allowed him to routinely make an impact as a pass-rusher. The 6-foot-1 308-pounder had five sacks in 2023 while rarely being put into true gaps as a pass-rusher. 2. Darius Robinson, ED, Missouri 6-5, 280 edge rusher who has what looks to be Chandler Jones-type of ability. 3A: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan Saw him here on the board and could not resist —- he’s such a naturally gifted receiver who has a knack for getting open —- dude is a winner. 3B: DeWayne Carter, DI, Duke I believe he could be this year’s version of the Rams’ 3rd round fireplug Kobie Turner. 3C: Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College One of the most physically dominating guards in the USA. 4A. Max Melton, CB, Rutgers Big, physical baller. 4B. Christian Jones, T, Texas One of the draft’s most under-rated players, likely because of how deep this offensive tackle class is. His pass pro stats are excellent. 5: Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington St. After his superb performance at the Senior Bowl, he’s likely going to go in the top 120. 6: Jaheim Bell, TE/FB/HB, Florida St. All-purpose playmaker who is a classic chains mover. 7A: Andrew Raym, C, Oklahoma Thought he battled very well in the one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl. 7B: Roger Rosengarten, T, Washington Had a couple of tough holding calls versus Michigan but was outstanding versus Oregon and Texas. He is likely going to be a top 120 pick. He’s athletic, pulls like a pro and fan blocks with tenacity. When I went back for a second try, MHJ was off the board. So, with Jayden Daniels still available, the Falcons make the call offering picks #8, #43 and their 1st Round pick in 2025. Then I went back for a 3rd time to draft my favorite player at each spot. ROTB Poll: Was this an easy or a somewhat difficult vote?

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You've Got Mail: The Potential For Mega-Weapons

Topics include Kyler in pistol, trading up for Paris, and a developmental league

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Commanders Overtake Raiders to Capture Kliff Kingsbury

Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports Former Cardinals coach heads to D.C on a 3-year deal to be the Commanders’ offensive coordinator Back in 2019 when Kliff Kingsbury emerged as an NFL head coaching candidate, his first interview was in New York with the Jets. Media reports at the time were that the Jets were keenly interested in hiring him, perhpas even on the spot. The Jets had drafted QB Sam Darnold in 2018 and the their priority was to make good on their investment of the highly touted former QB at USC who as a rookie passed for 2,865 yards at 57.7% with 17 TDs and 15 interceptions for a QBR of 45.9. On the afternoon of the Jets’ interview I can vividly remember how I was anxiously checking Twitter to see whether the Jets were going to act quickly on hiring Kliff. If you recall, Kliff had agreed to schedule an interview with the Cardinals, should he still be on the market after his Jets’ interview. Much to my delight, word came in that afternoon that Kliff’s interview with the Jets had concluded, that there was mutual interest on both sides for getting a deal done, but Kliff was now heading straight to Arizona to meet with the Cardinals. The swift manner in which Kliff departed New York got me thinking —- could the Cardinals have gotten word to Kliff’s agent that Kliff was their #1 choice and that “all options are open” —- including what the team would be willing to do with the #1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft? Therefore, what transpired this weekend with Kliff Kingsbury and his negotiations with the Raiders and Commanders felt like, to a certain degree, as Yogi Berra would say, “deja vu all over again.” Mitchell Renz, who does a superb job covering the Raiders on his “Raiders Report”, explains the reasons why Kliff Kingsbury broke off contract negotiations with the Raiders. If you listen to the first 2-3 minutes, you’ll get the rub: Raiders News: Here’s Why Kliff Kingsbury Left Las Vegas + Kliff To Washi... https://t.co/NGFmWlMNYb via @YouTube— Michael (@Michael04995332) February 3, 2024 When teams offer coordinators a 2-year contract instead of a 3-year or 4-year contract, that typically indicates it’s more of a “prove it deal” than a vote of confidence. You might recall that the Cardinals signed Mike McCoy to a 2-year deal back in 2018. A low-ball salary offer in Kliff’s case was not necessarily a deal breaker because he and teams know that no matter what he’s paid, he’s getting $5.5M from the Cardinals for the next four years, minus whatever salary he makes elsewhere. If he signs for a mere $1 a year, that means that he is still going to be paid the $5,4999,999 balance by Michael Bidwill. The Raiders must have figured that Kliff would have been desperate enough to take the OC job regardless of the offer. Well, when I heard the news that Kliff had withdrawn his name from consideration for the OC job in Vegas, I had a very strong feeling that it was because the Commanders had assured Kliff that they would hire him —- and —- that the Commanders may have a plan to try to move up to #1 to draft Caleb Williams. Let Kliff cook ‍ Kliff Kingsbury is the new OC in the DMV #HTTC pic.twitter.com/BygBs5b67h— DC Sports Experience (@DCsportsXP) February 5, 2024 The length of the deal: 3 years. As for Caleb Williams’ reaction to Kliff’s deal: Caleb Williams’ latest IG story post: pic.twitter.com/gIkYr2ESLc— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 5, 2024 Where was Caleb Williams a legendary high school QB? Per Caleb Williams’ Wikipedia page: Williams attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. As a sophomore in 2018, he led Gonzaga to a WCAC Championship as the best team in the District, and was named Washington Post All-Metropolitan 1st team and Washington, D.C. Gatorade Football Player of the Year after he passed for 2,624 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and rushed for 394 yards and 10 touchdowns. As a junior in 2019, he was named Washington Post All-Metropolitan 1st team for the second consecutive year after he passed for 1,770 yards with 19 touchdowns and rushed for 838 yards with 18 touchdowns. He was named the Elite 11 finals MVP the following summer. In 2020 his senior season was cancelled due to COVID-19. The highest-rated quarterback prospect of his class, Williams committed to play college football at the University of Oklahoma. Possibilities for Caleb Williams: CHI stays at #1 and selects him WASH trades up one spot to select him Another team trades up to #1 to select him CHI shocks pretty much everyone and either drafts Marvin Harrison Jr. or Jayden Daniels (whom some believe is moving ahead of Drake Maye on many teams’ draft boards) at #1. No doubt —- these possibilities regarding Caleb Williams —- will be the talk of the 2024 NFL Draft. Let the speculation begin: Kliff Kingsbury coached Caleb Williams last season. Williams was a standout QB at Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C. The Commanders currently hold the No. 2 overall pick and are in striking distance of the No. 1 pick that belongs to Chicago. https://t.co/P9uZYvY648— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 5, 2024 Potential QB options for the Commanders: Trade up for Caleb Williams Stay at #2 and take the Best QB Available (Williams, Daniels or Maye) Sign UFA QB Kirk Cousins (to complete a NFL football odyssey —- Cousins was the Redskins’ 2012 4th round pick at #102) and trade down from #2 —- or draft MHJ. Trade for Jake Browning (CIN) and trade down from #2 —- or draft MHJ. Why was Kliff Kingsbury the Commanders OC of Choice? Dan Quinn had to have been impressed with Kliff’s wins over his Cowboys: 38-10 W at DAL on 10/19/20 25-22 W at DAL on 1/2/23 Note: putting up 63 points combined on his defense with Kyler being in his 2nd and 3rd years was indeed impressive. Adam Peters, the Commanders’ new GM (coming in from the 49ers), worked with Kliff back in 2003 when they were working on scouting assignments for the Patriots. Kliff had been drafted by New England in Round 6 that year. Yet, Bill Belichick was so impressed with the depth of Kliff’s football knowledge that he asked Kliff also to help the team in the scouting department. Do you know who else was with Adam Peters and Kliff Kingsbury in the Patriots’ scouting department in 2003? it was not only Adam Peters’ first year —- it was also Monti Ossenfort’s. Washington’s Offense: QB —- Sam Howell (60.3), Jacoby Brissett* (UFA), Jake Fromm RB —- Brian Robinson, Jr. (75.3), Antonio Gibson* (UFA), Chris Roderiguez Jr. WR —- Terry McLaurin (75.1), Dyami Brown WR —- Jahan Dotson (57.7) , Byron Pringle* (UFA) SWR —- Curtis Samuel* (69.7 - UFA); Jamison Crowder* (UFA) TE —- Logan Thomas (57.1) , John Bates LT —- Charles Leno, Jr. (72.5) , Braden Daniels LG —- Saahdig Charles* (55.5 - UFA), Chris Paul C —- Nick Gates (66.1) RG —- Sam Cosmi (80.6), Ricky Stromberg RT —- Andrew Wylie (69.2), Cornelius Lucas* (UFA) Sam Howell played very well in North Carolina’s version of the Air Raid, as did Dyami Brown. Kliff prides himself in getting all his QB primed and ready to play. Howell is a tough cookie. He has some Baker Mayfield-type of attributes. Good, solid offensive line —- like the Cardinals, they need a good starting LG. Talented WR group headed by McLaurin, Also, like the Cardinals, the Commanders need to add talent to their defense on all three levels. Imo, Dan Quinn made a superb hire appointing Joe Whitt Jr. (former Cowboys’ defensive backs coach) as his DC. The 49ers, Cowboys and Cardinals have a significant number of 2024 free agents, many with ties to Peters, Quinn and Kingsbury. The Commander currently have amassed a league leading $76.65M of 2024 cap space. You can check the 2024 free agent lists here, if you wish: 2024 NFL Free Agents Tracker | Spotrac Potential Intrigue for Cardinals Fans: WAS vs AZ about to be our week 1 rematch game. #birdgang https://t.co/XcK7I8tred— Suz (@SuzRedSea) February 5, 2024 That would be wild, wouldn’t it. Great call, Suz! Prudent Message: I know one thing to be true: Those that profess to be experts on Kliff Kingsbury as an offensive coach must also think Dan Quinn and Antonio Pierce must be nuts for wanting him to lead their offense. As if they know nothing about defending offenses.— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) February 5, 2024 Commentary: When Kliff Kingsbury came to the NFL in 2019, pundits like Rex Ryan scoffed at Kliff’s chances to be a legitimate NFL coach —- calling Kliff’s style of offense as “pretty boy.” Remember in the pre-season that year how the Raiders’ players doubled down on the “pretty boy” theme. Think of how the perception of Kliff Kingsbury’s offense has changed over the past 5 years —- because of his penchant for making his offenses as balanced as possible between the running and passing games. 2 Top Ten Offenses in 2020 and 2021 3 Top Ten Rushing Yards Per GAME IN 2019, 2020 and 2021. Now done. A big hire for Dan Quinn. https://t.co/Wh63pgs8eP— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 5, 2024 I am excited to see precisely what the unabridged version of Kliff’s offense looks like. Are you?

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Kliff Kingsbury Potentially Headed Back Into NFL (Again)

Former Cardinals coach reportedly going to Washington

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Big decision looming for Zaven Collins’ fifth-year option

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Fifth-year option for Collins projected to be $12.75 million per Over the Cap Over the last decade and with the exception of Kyler Murray, the Arizona Cardinals have struggled to find game-changing playmakers with their first round draft selections. Whether it was his poor evaluation of “the heart and the mind” or his absurd fascination with finding the next great inside linebacker, former Cardinals’ general manager Steve Keim ultimately failed to sustain the success this team had in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Out with the old and in with the new, current GM Monti Ossenfort still has his work cut out for him with a big offseason coming up to overhaul a roster that needs better talent. And to start it all off, he has a big decision looming regarding 2021 first-round pick Zaven Collins and whether or not to pickup his fifth-year option. Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images Collins, 24, will be entering his fourth season in the NFL following a year where he made a position switch from inside linebacker to outside linebacker. In his first season playing under Nick Rallis, Collins registered 41 tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. Per Pro Football Focus, he finished the year as the Cardinals’ highest graded defender with a 72.1 overall grade. Though he was graded as a top-20 run defender (73.9) and generated 30 total quarterback pressures at this position, he was among the worst as a pass rusher ranking 88 out of 120. Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images The position switch was a surprise to many considering he made significant progress as an inside linebacker in 2022. For what it is worth, Ossenfort has already dealt some of Steve Keim’s selections this past year. 2020 first-round pick: ILB Isaiah Simmons (traded - Giants) 2020 third-round pick: OT Josh Jones (traded - Texans) 2020 fourth-round pick: DT Rashard Lawrence (released) 2021 fourth-round pick: CB Marco Wilson (traded - Patriots) 2022 third-round pick: OLB Myjai Sanders (released) 2022 sixth-round pick: RB Keaontay Ingram (released) 2022 sixth-round pick: OG Lecitus Smith (released) 2022 seventh-round pick: CB Christian Matthew (released) Zaven Collins has made an impact against the run but the primary job of an EDGE rusher is to rush the pass rusher. Was his performance this past season enough to justify picking up his fifth-year option? Might the Cardinals move him back to inside linebacker with some big name pass rushers set to be available in free agency? With the over $13 million in dead cap space due to the faults of the previous management and Collins’ projected fifth-year option value of $12.75 million (per Over the Cap) for the 2025 season, it might not be wise financially to invest in Collins with consideration of his overall production. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images Ossenfort did not splurge in free agency in 2023 due to having a roster that needed further evaluation, Kyler Murray’s ACL injury, and needing cap space fixes with all eyes set for competing in 2024. The Cardinals did draft LSU pass rusher BJ Ojulari with the No. 41 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and he is expected to be a key piece on the defense moving forward. The fifth-year-option window for the first-round class of 2021 opened Jan. 8, with the final deadline set for May 2.

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Budda Baker Makes Sure To Represent At Pro Bowl

Safety is participating in his sixth all-star game in seven seasons

Zach Gershman
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Year One Under Jonathan Gannon Saw Penalty Improvement

Cardinals had significant drop in pre-snap flags

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Arizona Cardinals fans want to see the team extend Budda Baker

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images Fans want to see the team keep their Pro Bowl safety and team captain. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Arizona Cardinals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. While fans have had enough of Marquise Brown and are ready to move on, they feel completely the opposite on the question about Budda Baker. While he is under contract, he is out of guaranteed money, so he will likely want to see some more money in that way. So, the question we posed was, are you wanting to see the Cardinals extend him, or trade him. Well, this was not close either, as fans want to see the Arizona Cardinals try and extend Budda Baker. This could be a nice opportunity for the Cardinals to move some money around and give themselves some more money for the 2024 season. So, Cardinals fans want to see Baker stay, and are ready to see Hollywood go.

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Arizona Cardinals fans want to move on from Marquise Brown

Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images Fans are not worried about the salary, they are just ready to move on from Hollywood Brown. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Arizona Cardinals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. Arizona Cardinals fans have seen enough. We asked this week if fans wanted to see the team bring back Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, and fans voted loud and clear, they are ready to move on from the wide receiver as only 28% of fans want the team to re-sign Brown. I get the fact it has been tough with how he has not put up the numbers that come with what they traded for him. However, with the market the way it is, I still think if you can get him on a one year deal for the $12-15 million, I think it makes a lot of sense, It gives you a lot of choices heading into the draft, and doesn’t make things as desperate. I get wanting to move on, but if the price is right, I think you bring him back.

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AFC and NFC Championship Game reactions; possible salary cap moves the Cardinals can make

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images We discuss Championship Game weekend and talk about some potential cost saving moves for the Arizona Cardinals. Happy Friday one and all. I am out of town this weekend, should be back Tuesday, but we will still have some work getting done as we prepare for the Super Bowl. First off, Jess and I needed to get together and discuss the AFC and NFC Championship Games. We discuss how the Ravens changed their identity and it cost them, while the Lions stuck with their identity and it cost them. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating! Topics and times: (1:00) Reacting to the Chiefs’ win over the Ravens (22:17) Reacting to the 49ers’ win over the Lions (47:43) Move the Cardinals can (not necessarily should) make to add cap space

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Kliff Kingsbury Headed Back Into NFL

Former Cardinals coach will reportedly be OC in Las Vegas

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Arizona Cardinals 2024 NFL Mock Draft trade review, picks and more

Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images We look at the Arizona Cardinals making a trade down in a new 2024 NFL Mock Draft. We have seen a plethora of Arizona Cardinals 2024 Mock Drafts. In many, there are not trades made, but I found one, on a major site, by a pretty smart fella, who made a new 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Christian Williams of Football Guys dropped his 2024 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 and in it, he has the Arizona Cardinals making a move, here is the trade: 4. Minnesota Vikings (via ARI) - Jayden Daniels (QB - LSU) Trade details: Minnesota sends picks No. 11, No. 42, and a 2025 first-round pick to Arizona for picks No. 4 and No. 224. Looking this over, let’s extrapolate some things: A first and second this year and a first next year for the fourth overall pick and a late day three pick. So, the Arizona Cardinals give up 1,802 points on the trade value chart, while receiving 1,730 points and then a pick next year, which allows them to have at least 590 points if the Vikings win the Super Bowl next year. So, it is a fairly one-sided trade in favor of the Cardinals. The Rich Hill model has the Cardinals giving up 494 points and receiving back this year 500, plus at least 184 next year, so again a fairly lopsided trade in favor of the Cardinals. This trade happens because Marvin Harrison Jr. goes with the third overall pick. Just to be nice, here is who Williams has the Cardinals taking: 11. Arizona Cardinals - Terrion Arnold (CB - Alabama) 27. Arizona Cardinals - Keon Coleman (WR - Florida State) Not a huge fan of this class, but it is two fits at cornerback and wide receiver. I would have gone Rome Odunze over Arnold, although I love Arnold. I would have gone Amarius Mims or Darius Robinson at 27. Now, I was nice and plugged Williams’ entire mock into PFF’s simulator, leaving the Cardinals picks as is. I then added the best player at a position of need for each team and here is how it played out. 33. Carolina Panthers - Bralen Trice, ED - Washington34. Detroit Lions - Cooper DeJean, CB - Iowa So, the Carindals have now taken a wide receiver and cornerback, so here is the board on PFF: Ennis Rakestraw JrLadd McConkeyKamari LassiterChris BraswellDevontez WalkerTroy FautanuTJ TampaZach Frazier Kiran AmegadjieKris JenkinsJermaine BurtonGraham BartonXavier LegetteChop Robinson. So for me it went: 35. Arizona Cardinals - Troy Fautanu, OT - Washington 36. Washington Commanders - Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB - Missouri37. Los Angeles Chargers - Ladd McConkey, WR - Georgia38. Tennessee Titans - Kamari Lassiter, CB - Georgia39. New York Giants - Chris Braswell, Edge - Alabama40. Washington Commanders - Zach Frazier, OL - West Virginia41. Green Bay Packers - Kiran Amegadjie, OT - Yale 42. Arizona Cardinals - T’Vondre Sweat, DT - Texas I took some liberty and took Sweat over Jenkins. What would you do?

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Bob Wallace Proud Of His Role As NFL Trailblazer

Lawyer hired to negotiate contracts for Cardinals in 1981

Zach Gershman
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The NFC West becomes the young wild west of coaches with Seattle Seahawks hiring Mike Macdonald

Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Seattle Seahawks have a new head coach. The Arizona Cardinals got rid of Pete Carroll and now get a young, up and coming defensive coordinator they will have to deal with in Mike Macdonald. The Seattle Seahawks announced on Wednesday they have signed former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new head coach. Macdonald is the 36-year old wunderkind who has called the Ravens defense the last two seasons. He was with the Michigan Wolverines in the same capacity in 2021, before that he has been on John Harbaugh’s staff since 2014, working his way up from an intern to the DC position. He joins an NFC West that is full of you gun coaches who have all put together impressive resumes before they got their first head coaching chance. Sean McVay is the 38 year old Los Angeles Rams head coach who was the Washington formerly the Redskins offensive coordinator for three years. Jonathan Gannon is the 40 year old Arizona Cardinals head coach who was the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator for two years. Kyle Shanahan is the now 44 year old San Francisco 49ers head coach who was a nine year veteran offensive coordinator before taking over the Niners. He had stops in Houston, Washington, Cleveland and Atlanta as an OC. So, the NFC West is the home of the young guns, and Macdonald is the youngest of the bunch.

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Cardinals Reacts Survey: Should the team re-sign Marquise Brown, trade or extend Budda Baker?

Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK We talk everything Arizona Cardinals offseason. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Arizona Cardinals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. Happy Wednesday one and all. The Arizona Cardinals are hanging out with the rest of us before they start making moves this offseason. Since we know most fans will be rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs, we will confirm that next week, we wanted to get some feedback on Arizona Cardinals stuff. First question, should the Arizona Cardinals re-sign Marquise Brown? Rumors around town are that the free agent to be could get a one-year deal only. If it is a one-year $12-15 million I say do it. Hell, if it is a 2-3 year deal in the same range I am not going to complain. However, I like the idea of a one-year deal with a rookie big wide receiver to pair with him. The second question is, would you like to see the Arizona Cardinals trade Budda Baker if it is something he requested or extend him? The Pro Bowl safety has one year left, but he wants to be rewarded. So, what would you do? Please take our survey

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Cardinals Bringing Back Jesse Luketa

Team also re-signing Carter O'Donnell

Darren Urban
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Red Rain Podcast: How 1 Game can be a Game Changer

For coaches and athletes their lives and career paths can often be altered, shaped and/or dictated by the outcome of a single game. In today’s 130th episode of the Red Rain Podcast, Kyle “L’ll Rock” Ledbetter and I will discuss how one game or life experience can change people’s lives. I will provide examples of how certain games have shaped the career paths of former and current coaches and players of the Arizona Cardinals. ROTB Question of the Day: What was one game or life experience that has profoundly changed your life?

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Arizona Cardinals sign cornerback Michael Ojemudia to a future contract

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images The Cardinals are beefing up their cornerback room heading into the offseason. The Arizona Cardinals know they need to boost their cornerback room, so they are getting active early with it. The team has signed Michael Ojemudia to a futures contract. From the team: Tempe, AZ – The Arizona Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has signed cornerback Michael Ojemudia (oh-jeh-MOO-dee-uh) to a future contract for the 2024 season. The signing took place today at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, AZ. Ojemudia (6-1, 200) has played in 23 games (12 starts) with Denver (2020-22) and Chicago (2022) in his NFL career and has 73 tackles (63 solo), eight passes defensed, four forced fumbles and one tackle for loss. He was a third-round pick (77th overall) of the Broncos in the 2020 NFL Draft from the University of Iowa. The 26-year old Ojemudia spent the entire 2023 season on the Rams practice squad after being released by the Bears following the preseason. As a rookie in 2020, he became the first rookie in NFL history to record multiple games with two or more forced fumbles and just the third rookie in the last 20 years to force at least four fumbles in a single season. Welcome to the desert, Michael.

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Arizona Cardinals assistant offensive line coach gets up close look at National Team prospects at Senior Bowl

Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports Chris Cook is working with a talented group of offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl. The Arizona Cardinals are heavily represented at the Senior Bowl and maybe the most important position they are represented at is offensive line coach. Chris Cook is the Cardinals assistant offensive line coach and coaching the offensive line for the National Team at the Senior Bowl. Well, let me give you some names he gets to work up close and personally with this weekend: Taliese Fuaga, 6-5 332lbs - 1,565 snaps at right tackle in his career at Oregon St Jordan Morgan, 6-4 312lbs - 2,404 snaps at left tackle in his career at Arizona Kingsley Suamataia, 6-4 329lbs - 687 snaps at right tackle, 655 snaps at left tackle in his career at BYU Jackson Powers-Johnson, 6-3 320lbs - 456 snaps at guard, 850 snaps at center in his career at Oregon These are all players getting first round buzz, so maybe they could be available at the 35th pick as well. I will tell you this personally, if you can get Fuaga, you do it immediately. Getting Fuaga, flipping Paris Johnson Jr. to the left side, that is going to be one of the best young bookends in the NFL. It also gives you a right side of two of the largest people movers in the NFL. Imagine the run game.

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Cardinals Sign Cornerback Michael Ojemudia

Team adds to depth with futures deal

Darren Urban
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You've Got Mail: Tackling The Offensive Line

Topics include Fitz's number potentially retired, hosting the draft, and Pro Bowl aggressiveness

Darren Urban
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The Tangible Impact Of Kyler's Comeback

The numbers show Cardinals moved up league-wide when QB played

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ROTB Pick Vs Spread Competition Super Bowl Championship

Two ROTB members are tied for the lead with 1 game to go Updated Standings: (with special thanks, as always, to CCF) Co-Leaders: 38 iacardsfan, CCF Eliminated: 36 ***Wilmot515 35 RyanMac7 Super Bowl LVIII Kansas City Chiefs +1 San Francisco 49ers -1 Over/Under 47.5 IACF and CCF: Pick the team Pick the Over/Under Predict the Final Score Your Picks and Prediction?

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