Offseason Review Day 2: Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals Offseason Review

• Subreddit Link: r/AZCardinals
• Division: NFC West
• Record Overall: 4-13, (Divisional 1-5) 4th Place NFC West
• Home (1-8)
• Away (3-5)

The sun sets on the dry heat..

Defeated but will rise again

Welcome to the Arizona Cardinals offseason review, I am the unfortunate fan with the task of reviewing this season. If you are interested in further Cardinals write ups the 2023 32Days/32Teams write up is available written by me.

This season was a dramatic fall from grace for the Cardinals who had been flying high no less than 12 months ago, to go from 7-0 to 4-13 is extremely demoralising. The new regime being brought in also means rebuilding time, a new outlook and ideology in the hopes of surpassing the mediocracy of the past, however the Cardinals have achieved more this century than in the last so the only place to go is up right? right?

Wishful thinking aside, big changes are needed to right the ship and the choices taken this offseason and next offseason will be pivotal towards how far this rebuild goes. Seeing how other teams have fared recently there is reason for optimism so lets hope.

Front Office Changes

Name	Titles	Previous Team	Previous Role
Monti Ossenfort	GM	Titans	Director of Player Personnel
Johnathan Gannon	DC	Eagles	DC
Drew Petzing	OC	Browns	QB Coach
Nick Rallis	DC	Eagles	LB Coach
Drew Terrell	Passing Game Coordinator/ Wide Receivers	Commanders	WR Coach
Klayton Adams	OL Coach	Colts	TE Coach
Chris Cook	Assistant OL Coach	Duke University	Offensive Analyst
Autry Denson	RB Coach	Charleston Southern University	RB Coach
Blaine Gautier	Bidwell Coaching Fellow	Michigan State	Offensive Analyst
Ben Steele	TE Coach	Broncos	Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Isreal Woolfork	QB Coach	Browns	Assistant QB Coach
Derrick LeBlanc	Defensive Line Coach	Dolphins	Assistant Defensive Line Coach
William Peagler	Assistant Defensive Line Coach	University of Florida	TE Coach
Rob Rodriguez	Outside Linebackers Coach	Arizona State	Defensive Line Coach
Sam Siefkes	Linebackers Coach	Vikings	Assistant Linebackers Coach
Ryan Smith	Cornerback Coach	Northwestern University	Cornerback Coach
Patrick Toney	Defensive Backs Coach	University of Florida	Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach
Sam Sewell	Assistant Special Teams Coach	Eastern Michigan	RB Coach
Shea Thompson	Director, Football Performance	49'ers	Director of Performance/Assistant Strength Conditioning
Evan Marcus	Head Strength and Conditioning Coach	Browns	Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
Everett Gathron	Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach	Ohio State	Associate Strength and Conditioning Coach
Jason Benguche	Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach	Panthers	Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
Kyle Sammons	Sports Science Coordinator/Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach	University of Washington	Director of Sports Science/Reconditioning
Brandon Schwab	Head Coach Assistant	Milken Community School	Offensive Coordinator

Owner Michael Bidwell (Left), HC Jonathan Gannon (Middle) and GM Monti Ossenfort (Right)

With a new regime taking over an overhaul of staff was expected, Gannon brings his DC Nick Rallis and multiple members of the Browns staff to the Cardinals but as many personnel have not taken such roles previously combined with the Cardinal current roster strength it is difficult to gauge their chance of success currently.

​

Monti Ossenfort GM: A rare external GM hire the last time this occurred was 1994 with Buddy Ryan and 1973 with Joe Sullivan testament to Bidwell's manner of running the franchise. Bringing 21 seasons of NFL experience with the Patriots (2006-2019) and Titans (2020-2022) Ossenfort brings a strong pedigree of success to the Cardinals. Serving in numerous scouting roles (Area, National & Director of college scouting) in his time with the Patriots and progressing to director of player personnel with the Titans highlighted Ossenfort’s eye for talent and quality players along with a personal strong work ethic, vital characteristics in a rebuild. The tremendous success the Patriots and Titans have found only further justified the decision to appoint Ossenfort as new GM.

Met with initial scepticism over his lack of previous GM experience and current roster situation Ossenfort has hushed critics with his shrewd business dealings during the draft and handling of the Hopkins situation.

​

Jonnathan Gannon HC: Another first time appointment at this position, Gannon comes off a defensive masterclass of a season with the Philadelphia Eagles mired only by defeat at Super Bowl 57 against Patrick Mahomes II and Andy Reid’s Chiefs.

Gannon has 16 years of previous defensive experience with time with the Colts (2018-2020) and Vikings (2014-2017) as an defensive back coach and time with the Falcons (2007) and Titans (2012-2013) as a control coach. Under Gannon the Eagles became the first team to have 4 players with 10+ sacks in a season, recording 70 total sacks in the 2022-2023 season.

It is hoped Gannon will be able to bring the same success he developed with the Eagles to Arizona however with the current roster, building the team he desires will take time before the fruits of labour appear.

​

Drew Petzing OC: Another first time position Petzing served as assistant wide receiver, offence and quarterback coach with the Vikings from 2014-2019 and as tight end coach and quarterback coach with Cleveland from 2020-2022. During his tenure at Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins set a team record completions (425) and set the 4th highest passer rating in Vikings history during the 2018 season.

Petzing in his last season with the Browns utilised backup QB Jacoby Brissett to the best of his abilities in light of Watsons suspension, Brissett set a career high completion percentage (64%) and passer ratings (88.9).

With previous success with the Vikings and QB success with the Browns it's hoped Petzing will be able to develop a season long sustainable offence and get the best out of Kyler Murray when healthy.

​

Nick Rallis DC: Former line-backer coach with Gannon and the Eagles, Rallis like Petzing spent time with the Vikings organisation as defensive quality control and assistant line-backer coach from 2018-2020, coaching talents such as Eric Kendricks in his all-pro 2019 season.

Rallis continued in success joining the Eagles as linebacker coach and assisted Gannon in the Eagles super bowl run.

With success working with Linebackers and trust with Gannon, expectations are set that Rallis can help fill the trenches and support a linebacker core that has been a notable weakness for the Cardinals.

​

Internal Promotions

Name	Title	Previous Position
Connor Senger	Offensive Quality Control	Bidwell Fellowship/QB Assistant
Spencer Whipple	Pass Game Specialist	Co-Pass Coordinator
Ronald Booker	Defensive Quality Control	Defensive Assistant
Buddy Morris	Senior Reconditioning Coordinator	Strength and Conditioning Coach
Kenny Bell	Director, Football Strategy	Chief Staff/Offensive Assistant
Jay Razzano	Coaching Assistant	Head Coach Assistant

Staff Departures:

Name	Title	New Team	New Role
Kliff Kingsbury	HC/OC	USC	QB Coach
Steve Keim	GM	N/A	N/A
Cameron Tuner	Co-pass coordinator/Quarterbacks	Colt	QB Coach
Steve Heiden	TE Coach	Lions	TE Coach
Mike Bercovici	Offensive Assistant	Panthers	Offensive Assistant
Vance Joseph	Defensive Coordinator	Broncos	Defensive Coordinator
Matt Burke	Defensive Line Coach	Texans	Defensive Coordinator
Marcus Robertson	Defensive Backs Coach	Saints	Defensive Back Coach
Greg Williams	Cornerbacks Coach	Packers	Passing Game Coordinator

End of the line for Kliff

In a season of chaos Kingsbury’s offence finally ran out of steam, figured out and unsustainable as injury build-ups down the stretch again, the Cardinals folded offensively and defensively during the season. Hopkins suspension didn’t help matters either but the cracks were already there.

Despite many flaws Kingsbury deserves praise for improving a team who had finished 3-13 when he stepped in, taking them to 5-11 and 8-8 to the heights of last season's 11-6 record leading the Cardinals to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

Was Kingsbury a good coach? For a college coach with zero expectations by the media.. Yes he was strangely enough. Was Kingsbury the right coach? Likely not, some may say if the team had a different coach this team could’ve done a lot more but as Rafael Nadal once said “If if if doesn’t exist”.

One last time just for good measure

General Manager Steve Keim formally left the organisation with health reasons after an almost 10 year tenure as GM.

Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph was speculated to remain DC in light of Gannon’s hiring as HC, however it seems the two defensive minded coaches could not find a similar philosophies for the defence as Nick Rallis was named new DC. Joseph was released from his contract with Arizona and quickly was rehired as DC by former employers the Denver Bronco of which he was HC previously.

​

Free Agency

Cardinals Cap situation: $26,679,614 (As of 6th July)

Name	Age	Position	Previous Team	Contract
Zach Pascal	28	WR	Eagles	2Yrs/4.5 Mil
Jeff O'Driskel	30	QB	Broncos	1Yr/1.08 Mil
Jackson Barton	27	OL	Giants	1Yr/1.08 Mil
Kris Boyd	26	CB	Vikings	1Yr/1.23 Mil
Elijah Wilkinson	28	OL	Falcons	1Yr/1.23 Mil
Carlos Watkins	29	DL	Cowboys	1Yr/1.67 Mil
Rashad Fenton	26	CB	Falcons	1Yr/1.23 Mil
Krys Barnes	25	LB	Packers	1Yr/1.01 Mil
Josh Woods	26	LB	Lions	1Yr/1.08 Mil
Dennis Daley	26	OL	Titans	2Yrs/3.2 Mil
Hayden Howerton	24	OL	Patriots	1Yr/ 750k
Kyzor White	27	LB	Eagles	2yr/10 Mil
Ol Hjalte Froholdt	26	OL	Browns	2yr/4.6 Mil
Kevin Strong	26	DL	Lions	1yr/1.15 Mil
L.J. Collier	27	DL	Seahawks	1yr/1.23 Mil
Jonathan Ledbetter	25	DL	Dolphins	1Yr/ 705k
Jovante Moffatt	27	S	Falcons	2Yrs/925k
Andre Chachere	23	S	Eagles	1Yr/ 940k
Ben Stille	25	DL	Browns	1Yr/870k
Matt Haack	28	P	Colts	1Yr/1.08 Mil
Kyler McMichael	23	CB	Bills	2Yrs/1.66 Mil
Brandon Smith	24	WR	D.C Defenders (XFL)	1Yr/750k
Bobby Price	25	CB	Lions	1Yr/1.01 Mil
Dylan Mabin	25	CB	Falcons	1Yr/870k

​

• Pascal brings experience and most importantly height to the Cardinals offence which is majority below 6ft. A solid signing.

​

Resigned players

Name	Age	Position	Contract
David Blough	27	QB	1Yr/ 1.08 Mil
Greg Dortch	25	WR	1Yr/ 1.01 Mil
Will Hernandez	27	OL	2Yr/ 9 Mil
Matt Prater	38	K	2Yr/ 7.5 Mil
Ezekiel Turner	27	LB	1Yr/ 2.13 Mil
Corey Clement	28	RB	1Yr/ 1.08 Mil
Kelvin Beachum	34	OL	2Yr/ 5.15 Mil
Antonio Hamilton	30	CB	1Yr/ 1.5 Mil
Aaron Brewer	32	LS	Yr/ 1.16 Mil

• Greg Dortch was a surprising gem, an undersized WR who fitted well into the offence when Moore was injured. Dortch may be the cheaper option against Moore in the future.
• Prater returns to keep stability at the Kicker role which is much needed.
• Hernandez had a decent season and as such warranted a 2 year deal.

Players Departures

Name	Age	Position	New Team	Contract
DeAndre Hopkins	31	WR	FA	N/A
Byron Murphy Jr	25	CB	Vikings	2Yr/$22 Mil
Rodney Hudson	33	C	FA	N/A
Marcus Golden	32	LB	Steelers	1Yr/1.16 Mil
Chris Banjo	33	S	Retirement	N/A
Robbie "Chosen" Anderson	30	WR	Dolphins	1Yr/1.16 Mil
Manny Jones	24	DL	Steelers	1Yr/ 870k
Blake Lynch	26	LB	FA	N/A
Elliott Fry	28	K	Broncos	1Yr/ 750k
Javon Wims	28	WR	FA	N/A
Julien Davenport	28	OL	FA	N/A
Auden Tate	26	WR	FA	N/A
Marvin Pierre	24	LB	FA	N/A
Joe Fortunato	29	LS	FA	N/A
Trace McSorley	28	QB	Patriots	1Yr/ 1.08 Mil
Kamu Grugier-Hill	29	OLB	Panthers	1Yr/ 1.31 Mil

​

• Hudson agreed to have his 2023 salary reduced indicating that he will likely retire this offseason, either way the Cardinals need a new centre.
• The Cardinals-Vikings CB carousel continues with Byron Murphy Jr signing a 2 years deal, despite strong need at CB position
• Zach Allen left as a free agent to the Bronco. Controversial to say the least, Allen had talent and was one of the few success stories of recent drafts, losing him puts the team at a disadvantage.
• Chosen Anderson has chosen a new home in Miami, if he’ll be an asset to them will remain to be seen.
• DeAndre Hopkin was released by mutual consent after months of trade speculation into his future, while understandable considering his age and the teams current state his departure will sting for many fans.
• McSorely signed with the Patriots, he will throw it on a dime like he's not even trying in Massachusetts this season.
  
• Chris Banjo officially retired from the NFL after 9 seasons this offseason, Banjo has been hired as an assistant special teams coach with the Broncos. Cardinals fans wish him luck in his next step of his football career.

Additional Team News

• Budda Baker requested a trade from the team. Whether due to the teams poor performance wasting his career or more likely him not being the highest paid safety as he was when first signed, his absence would be greatly felt. Losing such a leader in the locker room for a projected 2nd rd pick is inexcusable and the best route should be to pay the man, regardless of the money finding a safety as good as Baker is difficult.

^{I hope he returns as I bought his jersey 4 days before he announced this}

Bold and brash or belongs in the trash?

The Arizona Cardinals after a long 18 year wait have announced their new jersey's for the 2023 season onwards. Taking inspiration from the history of the cardinals throughout the 20th century, bringing back some classic combos including the St Louis away jersey (See Right) with a modern spin.

Reception has been mixed in some circles among Cardinals fans, mostly towards the sizing of the "Arizona" print on the home jersey. Some felt that it was too minimalist and basic, lacking in character.

Others have praised it saying its simple yet stylish look, incorporating monochromatic in the home jersey. The away and alternative jersey have been well received.

Whether you like them, I'll leave that up to you..

Draft Class 2023

1:6: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State.

Finishing what his father started

Protecting Kyler and the O-Line was the priority here; having the 6’6” tackle with experience in the left and right tackle position will allow versatility in protecting the offensive line. Ohio State took interest after he was named Anthony Munoz Offensive Line of the year in high school, during his time at Ohio Johnson Jr played in 4 games in freshman, started 13 games in sophomore with no QB sacks as RG and played 12 games in senior year.

With the versatility to play guard or tackle Johnson will find a spot to develop into a consistent starter with assistance from seasoned teammates such as Humphries and Beachum, however he will have to build additional strength to take on NFL veterans looking to bypass his anchoring.

Draft Call

Trade from 3 to 12 to 6:

Despite the Anderson Jr hype Paris Jr’s name began appearing in social circles in the week before the draft as rumours of the Cardinals exploring trade options started spreading,

When the draft came and Arizona traded down with the Texans to 12 many fans were furious, then something rare happened. Arizona came back around for a trade back up to 6 with Detroit, an aggressive move from Ossenfort to secure Paris Jr and steal a 2023 first off Houston. Hopping to 6 and 81 for pick 34 and 168 to draft their prime target was a coup for Arizona, if Paris becomes what is hoped of him then in retrospect passing on Anderson will be accepted rather than resented.

Cardinals Draft room Ossenfort trade moves - Flight Plan

2:41: BJ Ojutari, EDGE, LSU.

With JJ Watt retiring the edge rusher void is bigger than ever, Ojutari is the solution to this gap. Praised for his bend, speed and ability to beat tackles Ojutari shows promise in pass rushing, however against the run a weakness of the Cardinals he struggles finding himself blocked up often lacking the strength to create gaps, perhaps explaining Ojutari only recording 2 sacks in his final 8 games. Despite issues mentioned with training and development Ojutari can become a long term starter.

His brother Azeez was drafted in the 2nd round by the Giants in 2021.

Draft Call

3:72: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse.

An outside CB Williams fills a gap the Cardinals needed filling, boasting strong footwork and athleticism Williams is able to disrupt passes and make tackles despite being average height, his ability to avoid penalties is a bonus incurring no flags in his last 2 seasons.

Williams weaknesses will lie in his aggression in taking more risks in routes and contested catches, however avoiding flags will assist the team more currently.

Coming off an ACL injury which cut his season short it’ll remain to be seen if he can fully regain his previous form.

Draft Call

3:94: Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford.

An underrated playmaker, good size and ability with only injury concerns putting off other teams, playing only 14 games over 3 seasons. When Wilson does take the field however his separation, urgency and toughness shows out. If he can remain healthy and work on avoiding being held up on routes Willson should be a solid WR3.

Draft Call

4:122: Jon Gaines II, G, UCLA.

A solid move blocking guard, Gaines is better suited to run blocking with intelligence on the field and a mentality that coaches will like. Hand placement and keeping control in front of opposition during play will be areas of improvement but Gaines can find himself a role.

​

5:139: Clayton Tune, QB, Houston

Surprising choice but with McCoy getting older having a future back up QB is a wise choice. Playing for 4 years at Houston Tune brings experience and leadership qualities to the locker room as well as resistance from his past slow starts to season before finishing strong. Strong against man coverage Tune plays well when given time to set up plays, when plays go off script or he’s flushed out Tune can struggle to make the play.

A threat to Kyler? Amusing to say but ultimately the back up QB for the foreseeable, however depending on how the season fairs with McCoy and Kyler Tune could get time on the field as starter.

​

5:168: Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn.

Fast acceleration, strong body build and good arm length, Pappoe possesses the qualities of a strong linebacker however has been unable to make impacts in college mostly in part to his undersized frame and lack of playmaking selection in the moments. Pappoe will fall into special team roles and hopefully find a role in the team depth.

​

6:180: Kel'Trel Clark, CB, Louisville

Another undersized CB selection, Clark has the speed to keep up and harass receivers in zone but struggles against bigger sized opponents and lack of confidence in slot coverage hinder him. With the current CB situation expect opportunities to present themselves for Clark in the right circumstances.

​

6:213: Dante Stills, DT, West Virginia.

Final selection of the 2023 draft, Stills father was part of the 1999 draft, selected by the Chiefs he had a 10yr career in the Nfl. Stills strengths come in his speed of snaps, athleticism, fluid movement and disruption ability. Anticipating plays and taking on blockers are a weakness so his placement in the line will be important to his development and effectiveness.

​

Draft Class 2023 Highlights

​

Undrafted Free Agent Signing:

Name	Position	College
Ricky Seals-Jones	TE	Texas A&M
Sojourn Shelton	CB	Wisconsin
Trevor Knight	QB	Texas
Gump Hayes	CB	Arizona State
Carlton Agudosi	WR	Rutgers
Krishawn Hogan	WR	Marian
Ryan Lewis	CB	Pittsburgh
Collin Bevins	DT	Northwest Missouri State
Lucas Crowley	C	North Carolina
Pasoni Tasini	DT	Utah
Tre'Von Johnson	LB	Weber State
Drico Johnson	S	Central Florida
James Summers	RB	East Carolina
Cyril Noland-Lewis	S	Louisiana Tech
Ironhead Gallon	S	Georgia Southern
Steven Wroblewski	TE	Southern Utah
Jonathan McLaughlin	T	Virginia Tech

​