The Arizona Cardinals have a total of 17 free agents including the three quarterbacks who ended the season on the roster. Without a head coach and offensive system in place, it is hard to know which players would fit with the club in 2018. However, general manager Steve Keim and his team have undoubtedly taken a look at the list of free agents. Last week we listed the pending free agents for the Cardinals. This week we play general manager and decide who to keep or sweep from Cardinals list of offensive free agents.
Keep:
It’s either Jaron or John Brown. It isn’t a question of signing both. Jaron is the bigger receiver and has been better overall with staying on the field. Brown needs to be more consistent with his hands but he has the talent to contribute.
Boone came aboard a few weeks into the season after being released by the Vikings. Boone could be quality depth along the line and should take a relatively cheaper deal along the way.
Watford has played both tackle and guard for the Cardinals. His versatility is a plus and the team should be able to
sign him on the cheap.
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The left tackle started 11 games in 2017, filling in for D.J. Humphries and Jared Veldheer due to injuries. Wetzel play well enough to earn a short-term contract and battle for a spot in the starting lineup.
The young offensive lineman played in just six games in 2017. The team lacks depth along the line and Painter is talented enough to warrant a contract.
Penny is a bruising back who got carries late in the season due to injuries. If the team moves on from Adrian Peterson then Penny likely returns.
Golden was a special team player who began seeing time at receiver. Unfortunately for both the team and Golden, injury cut his season short. Golden is young and athletic, but most importantly cheap, so a contract should be coming his way.
Williams played well after Adrian Peterson was lost for the season. The five-year veteran saw significant time at the position as the lead guy for six games overall. His speed and willingness to run inside deserves a contract and a chance to compete.
The team’s long snapper is a relatively safe position. Brewer is the team’s starter and unless a young guy is brought in through the draft, he should return next season.
Munyer is a young offensive lineman who can provide depth as well as be placed on the practice squad if needed. Once again a cheap backup comes back.
Sweep:
Stanton is a true holdover from the Arians regime. He is not a physically gifted quarterback. The right coach would take a look but there is little chance Stanton comes back.
The Cardinals have zero quarterbacks on the roster. Of the three free agents, Barkley is the youngest and has the least baggage included. Barkley is a training camp signing.
Gabbert was a late offseason pickup that was more about significant reward for minimal risk. The former first round pick has struggled at every stop in his career and continues to be inconsistent. Gabbert started late in the season but did not impress to earn a spot on the roster.
Barnes signed to be a veteran backup after injuries to Humphries and Veldheer. Barnes is a mid-season addition at best.
John Brown has had some issues staying on the field. The speedy wide receiver played in just 10 games in 2017 and seemed to struggle when on the field. In a contract year, Brown failed to deliver.
Niklas has not performed during his time in Arizona. The tight end struggled to get open consistently and with fellow tight end Jermaine Gresham making nearly $8 million a season, the writing may be on the wall for Niklas.
Momah has the physical traits to make an impact on the field as a pass catcher. The emergence of rookie Ricky Seals-Jones likely signals his departure. If the team can get a cheap deal there is a shot he returns.
Next time we’ll take a look at the defensive free agents and decide who to keep or sweep.
– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.