First wave of free agency shows Cardinals' confidence in their own

Once upon a time the Arizona Cardinals began the 2021 season 10-2.

Instead of focusing on what happened next, a 1-5 collapse, the Cardinals would rather steer your attention to all that went right in 2021. This was the common theme through the first 24 hours of NFL free agency in which the Cardinals secured deals with five of their own players (no external signings).

First, there was the much welcomed three-year contract given out to Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz, followed by the robust $24 million deal dished out to running back James Conner. Conner, who was a Pro Bowler during his lone season with the Cardinals, was said to have a competitive market outside of Arizona. To Steve Keim’s credit, the nine-year GM did what he needed to do to ensure that Conner would continue racking up touchdowns for Kliff Kingsbury. Even in today’s day and age in which paying running backs big-time money is considered taboo, Conner is only 26 and is the unquestioned physical presence on offense for the Cardinals.

With an undersized quarterback at the helm, there’s an argument to be made that Conner is more valuable to the Cardinals than he would be to the large majority of NFL teams. Even at nearly $7 million per season over the next three years, Conner’s game should age well (health permitting). The former Pittsburgh native is not overly reliant on speed. Instead, he utilizes his 6-feet frame to bully past wimpy defenders at will. With former running mate Chase Edmonds gone to Miami via a two-year deal, Conner is expected to shoulder the full-time load come 2022.

Speaking of full time, it sure looks like the Cardinals are going to give undersized Dennis Gardeck a crack at the now vacant outside linebacker position left by Chandler Jones. Gardeck, who was compromised most of 2021 due to an injury rehab, re-signed for an eye-popping $12 million over the next three seasons. The majority of Cardinals fans were hoping that the team would attempt to bring back former first-round pick Haason Reddick, who opted to return home to Philadelphia for $30 million in guarantees.

The Cardinals were interested in reuniting with Reddick, but not for that figure.

Lastly, there were the two afternoon signings in backup quarterback Colt McCoy (two years, $6 million guaranteed) and rotational defensive tackle Michael Dogbe. Both are seen as quality locker-room guys, with McCoy earning the respect of everyone following his 2-1 performance in reserve duty of Kyler Murray. Dogbe, a 2019 seventh-round pick, has improved in each of his first two seasons in the league. Given the struggles this team has had keeping quality defensive line depth readily available, Dogbe is more than worth a flier come next season.

Looking ahead to the rest of the week, the Cardinals will likely prioritize both offensive line and cornerback depth. Expect Keim, now with his key internal pieces re-upped, to bargain shop with the hope of finding his next A.J. Green or Matt Prater. At the very least the team needs to restructure several expensive veteran players (D.J. Humphries, DeAndre Hopkins) to make all of his recent transactions fit under the salary cap.

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