Arizona Cardinals: It’s Not About Watt, But Who in 2021

General manager Steve Keim and the Arizona Cardinals were busy even before the 2021 fiscal year began. The Houston Texans parted ways with 10-year veteran defensive end J.J. Watt and the franchise in the desert wound up claiming the prize.

As free agency began, the club began adding plenty of notable performers. From seven-time Pro Bowler A.J. Green to Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler. The Cardinals orchestrated a deal with the Raiders and added three-time Pro Bowl center, Rodney Hudson. There’s a new kicker in Matt Prater, backfield depth in running back James Conner and some added oomph in the secondary via safety Shawn Williams.

A year ago, Kliff Kingsbury’s team finished 8-8 after a 6-3 start. Hence the franchise looked to fill some holes and it hopes to challenge the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West title. But there are a pair of standout performers when it comes to the Cards. And their futures with the organization may be in question – each for entirely different reasons.

Latest Cardinals News

• Handicapping Hal’s Week Two NFL Picks
• Handicapping Hal’s Week One NFL Picks
• The Football Stack: Arizona Cardinals Preview and Win Total
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023: Coach Don Coryell
• Ranking The 12 NFL Teams Looking For Their First Super Bowl Win In 2023

Will They Stay or Will They Go?

Will veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who has amassed the second-most receptions in NFL history, return to Arizona for an 18th season? Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com has some thoughts when it comes the third overall pick in 2004. All told, there have been 1,432 catches for 17,492 yards and 121 scores. There was that amazing 2008 four-game postseason run that saw the 11-time Pro Bowler rack up 30 grabs for 546 yards and seven scores. And there was that fourth-quarter TD grab via Kurt Warner that gave the Cardinals the lead in Super Bowl XLIII.

Meanwhile, there are recent reports that prolific pass rusher Chandler Jones, coming off an injury-shortened year in which he appeared in only five contests, has requested a trade (via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler). What’s not to like when it comes to the one-time New England Patriots’ first-round pick? In 124 regular-season games with New England and Arizona, there have been 97 sacks and 27 forced fumbles. Could he really be on the move?

It has been an all-in type of offseason for the franchise. The Cardinals haven’t been to the playoffs since winning the NFC West in 2015. There are plenty of new and notable faces on the roster. But will that include two of the team’s most productive performers?