How Cardinals Can Fix Their WR Problem
The Arizona Cardinals seem to have a wide receiver problem.
For those that watched Sunday's game against San Francisco - it was glaringly obvious, even to non-Arizona fans:
How would general manager Monti Ossenfort and co. potentially fix this issue going into 2024? It seems they likely need to add at least two wide receivers via various means. Could we see a similar offseason to 2019?
Here's a few options for the Cardinals:
Take Two in 2024 NFL Draft
There are lots of above 6-foot-1 and above receivers (which seem to work well in this offense and with Kyler Murray) in the upcoming class: Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, Keon Coleman, Brian Thomas Jr, Adonai Mitchell, Devontez Walker, Troy Franklin, Emeka Egbuka, Xavier Legette, JaLynn Polk, Brenden Rice, Ricky Pearsall, Jalen McMillan, Johnny Wilson, J Michael Sturdivant, Tory Horton and Tre Harris to just name a few that could go in Rounds 1 through 4.
Why not pair say Harrison Jr with someone that can make catches like this in Ricky Pearsall with one of the three third-round picks Arizona has?
Sign One, Draft One
If they go this route, and this seems like it may be the most likely, there are number one receivers likely to be available with Michael Pittman and Tee Higgins who can step right in as easy examples. (And yes it would be nice to see this on the Cardinals...)
But at what cost? This is the main sticking point for Ossenfort, who would not be liable to overpay either in what could become a bidding war.
It seems far more likely they go the route of trying to draft a No. 1 and sign someone who can fit comfortably as a No. 2. A few names to consider: Noah Brown, Tyler Boyd, Donovan Peoples-Jones, or Josh Reynolds would seem to be good fits and some have connections to the current coaching staff.
Trade For One, Draft One
The least likely on all of these, as if they trade for a wideout it would have to be someone that Murray is extremely comfortable with. As fun as it sounds, CeeDee Lamb is very likely not leaving Dallas, however he and Justin Jefferson are both free agents next off-season. It's fun to think about even though it's far-fetched.
There are other younger players that have under performed that could be had with lesser draft picks, such as Alec Pierce or David Bell, perhaps?
Whatever route Arizona goes, they need to improve the wide receiver room next offseason, or things may not go much better for the offense in 2024.
