After finishing his first season as a head coach with a 4-13 record, Jonathan Gannon said that while he was pleased with the teams’ fight, it simply wasn’t good enough. Now that those in the locker room and throughout the league have an idea how a Gannon-Monti Ossenfort regime operates, they'll look to build a playoff contender through free agency and the draft. The new league year begins on March 13, and with that comes free agency. Here's the sixth of 11 position breakdowns.
Free Agent primer schedule: WR Feb. 26; CB March 4; RB March 5; S March 6; TE March 7; OLB March 8
Cap hit of players under contract for 2024 (via OverTheCap.com): Zach Pascal ($2,670,000), Rondale Moore ($2,203,172), Michael Wilson ($1,213,514), Dan Chisena ($1,055,000), Jeff Smith ($1,055,000), Andre Baccellia ($985,000), Daniel Arias ($795,000), Kaden Davis ($795,000)
Scheduled free agents: Marquise Brown, Greg Dortch (ERFA)
Need: High
Analysis: Throughout the entire 2023 season, the wide receiver room faced tons of scrutiny after not being able to generate many explosive plays. Yes, there were three different quarterbacks, but the unit as a whole struggled to click with whomever was QB.
Hollywood Brown, scheduled to become a free agent, came to the Valley with hopes of excelling as the Cardinals' top wide receiver. Injuries limited him, but when healthy, he has shown he's capable of delivering on the gridiron. Brown has said that he'd like to return to the team if they can come to an agreement.
Beyond Brown, Greg Dortch and Michael Wilson both flashed, with Rondale Moore having a highlight moment every now and then. Overall though, the Cardinals could use a No.1 wide receiver who can go up and make a big-time play and/or somebody who could compliment Brown.
There are free agent options that can mesh well into the room, and there also appears to be a loaded draft class with plenty of talented wide receivers on the board.
Notable past free agent wide receiver signings: A.J. Green (2021); Brice Butler (2018); Ted Ginn (2014); Sean Morey (2007).
A look at some of the top wide receivers across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) makes a catch in front of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) during the second half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs after making a catch as Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton (1) chases him during the first half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) misses on a catch attempt next to Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) runs after a catch during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) scores the winning touchdown in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) grabs the jersey of Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (4) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney (11) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) catches a pass as Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou (4) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) runs after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (13) runs after a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
