Discussing the 2023 season for the Arizona Cardinals reveals a team that performed surprisingly well against formidable opponents. In Jonathan Gannon’s inaugural season as head coach, the Cardinals secured only four victories out of 17 games, yet these wins were notably impactful.
The highlight came in Week 3 when, following a disheartening loss to the New York Giants, the Cardinals triumphed over the Dallas Cowboys in a remarkable 28-16 fashion. Although it took until Week 10 for them to secure another win, defeating the Atlanta Falcons in Kyler Murray’s comeback game, subsequent victories against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles showcased the team’s ability to overcome playoff-caliber opponents.
As the Cardinals head into the 2024 season with another offseason under Gannon’s leadership, expectations for improvement arise. However, the looming challenge involves contract negotiations, as 22 players have contracts set to expire. Amidst the decisions on depth pieces, it is crucial to retain two standout stars for the team’s continuity. Identifying the key players for retention in the desert in 2024 becomes a pivotal aspect of the Cardinals’ upcoming project.
S Budda Baker (club option)
The decision to retain Baker for the Arizona Cardinals is a no-brainer. As a homegrown talent, he has emerged as a star safety, earning six Pro Bowl selections in seven NFL seasons. Notably, he boasts two All-Pro first team honors and one second team recognition. Demonstrating leadership qualities, Baker has been named team captain for four consecutive seasons.
Despite a setback in 2023, where he played a career-low 12 games due to injury, Baker remains a standout performer. His statistical output saw a decline across the board, marking the first time since 2019 that he failed to secure at least two interceptions in a season, registering zero this time.
Despite a contract re-negotiation prompted by Baker’s offseason trade request, rooted in his desire for a long-term deal with the Cardinals, the team should prioritize retaining this exceptional safety and team leader. Having spent his entire NFL career with Arizona, Baker’s loyalty and on-field prowess make him a valuable asset that Gannon and the Cardinals should willingly accommodate to ensure his continued presence with the team.
WR Marquise Brown
Securing a new contract for Arizona’s offseason is imperative, especially in the case of Brown. The Cardinals invested significant draft capital to acquire him with the vision of him becoming the team’s primary receiver for Kyler Murray.
Unfortunately, the plan faced challenges as Murray dealt with injuries, including a torn ACL that limited his playing time in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Despite the setbacks, Brown showcased his potential by posting an impressive 88 yards on six catches in Week 12 alongside Murray before sustaining a season-ending heel injury.
While Brown has only recorded one 1,000-yard season in his career, this can be attributed in part to circumstances, including playing in the run-first offense of the Baltimore Ravens during his initial three seasons. Additionally, he has faced challenges in building rapport with his quarterback due to Murray’s intermittent absence.
Recognizing Brown’s explosiveness and considering the premium value of receivers in the pass-oriented league, it is crucial for the Cardinals to secure his services moving forward. With Brown poised to be a significant weapon for Murray in the future, letting him walk away without a contract would be a missed opportunity for the Cardinals. Getting a deal done should be a top priority in the offseason agenda.
LB Krys Barnes
The Cardinals faced a significant setback when linebacker Kyzir White was ruled out for the season before December, creating a noticeable void in their defense. Stepping into this crucial role was Krys Barnes, whose performance justified a potential return to the Cardinals.
Barnes swiftly gained the trust of the coaching staff, earning the responsibility of wearing the green-dot helmet as the defensive signal caller. Despite limited playing time, he made a substantial impact, tallying 55 tackles and three tackles-for-loss. Notably, Barnes intercepted Houston Texans standout C.J. Stroud, showcasing his defensive prowess with a 46-yard return.
While Barnes may not be a superstar, his admirable performance as a replacement for White and his ability to contribute effectively in the linebacker room make him a valuable asset. Considering his demonstrated skills and the depth he can provide, the Cardinals would be wise to bring Barnes back for the 2024 season.
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