It seems to be a lost 2023-24 NFL season for Arizona Cardinals fans. Entering the season, Arizona is projected for an over/under season win total of a measly 3.5, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. A large part of it is due to last season’s injury of quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray suffered a torn ACL in week 14 and is still recovering with no set return date in sight. However, some decisions outside of Murray’s injury suggest the Cardinals are tanking and already have their sights set on next season. Several key factors contribute to this perception, highlighted in this article.
The Arizona Cardinals Are Clearly Tanking
Cardinals New Coaching Regime and Philosophy
Under new head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort, the Cardinals are ushering in a new era. Gannon is the former defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles. Most notably, he was responsible for helping lead them to last year’s Super Bowl run. Meanwhile, Ossenfort was the director of player personnel with the Tennessee Titans before signing with Arizona.
This regime shift suggests a focus on reshaping the team’s direction and strategy. Led by Ossenfort and Gannon, the Cardinals recent actions indicate that they are intentionally tanking to position themselves for future success.
Strategic Draft Positioning
Ossenfort’s emphasis on rebuilding was evident during the 2023 NFL Draft, where the Cardinals were part of a blockbuster move with the Houston Texans. The Cardinals sent the third pick overall to Houston, allowing the Texans to take edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. In return, the Cardinals got back the 12th pick in the first round, the No. 33 pick in the second round, and a first- and third-round pick in 2024. Following the trade with the Texans, the Cardinals traded up from pick No. 12 to pick No. 6 with the Detroit Lions. Lions receive picks No. 12, 34, and 168. The Cardinals also got the No. 81 pick.
All this to say, the Cardinals got the draft’s top-rated offensive tackle, Paris Johnson Jr., out of Ohio State at pick No. 6.
The Cardinals’ positioning in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft becomes central to this narrative. Owning their first-round pick and an additional first-round pick acquired from the Texans provides them with valuable draft assets. Given the abundance of highly touted quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class, the Cardinals could be setting themselves up to acquire a top-tier rookie quarterback to rebuild the team around. Ossenfort’s draft day trades were overall sound, but it also goes along with the theme of being patient, as some significant picks received back have yet to materialize.
Cardinals Questionable Roster Moves
The departure of DeAndre Hopkins, one of the league’s premier wide receivers, is a move that has left fans puzzled. Hopkins’ exceptional skill set, reliability, and chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray made him a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ offense. Waiving Hopkins suggests a shift from maintaining a highly competitive roster in the short term.
Moreover, trading Isaiah Simmons, a player drafted just two years ago in the top ten, for a mere seventh-round pick is a decision that defies conventional wisdom. Simmons’ versatility and potential made him a coveted prospect in the 2020 draft. Trading him away for such a low return signals a shift in organizational focus.
Uncertainty at Quarterback
The Cardinals’ murky quarterback situation raises significant questions about their intentions. The release of Colt McCoy, an experienced veteran, was surprising. The competition is now between Josh Dobbs and Clayton Tune. Neither Dobbs nor Tune have firmly established themselves as a starting-caliber NFL quarterback, which suggests that the Cardinals might be willing to forgo short-term stability at the position in favor of exploring their options and securing a high draft pick (or two) next year.
Lack of Aggressive Free-Agent Moves
In the NFL, free agency represents an opportunity to address roster weaknesses and bolster a team’s chances of immediate success. The Cardinals’ decision not to pursue established veteran running backs could be considered a choice to avoid short-term fixes. These proven running backs have track records of contributing to winning teams. Their absence on the Cardinals’ roster indicates that the team might be prioritizing long-term strategy over immediate competitiveness.
Last Word on Arizona Cardinals
These aspects highlight the Cardinals potential shift towards a long-term rebuilding strategy. Arizona’s willingness to part ways with star players, trade valuable assets for minimal return, embrace quarterback uncertainty, and forego free-agent signings indicate that the team is looking beyond the current season. By making decisions that may sacrifice short-term success for long-term gain, the Cardinals are positioning themselves for future success. Especially in a draft class rich with potential franchise quarterbacks. This reinforces the notion that the team aims to position itself well for a rebuilding phase.
In conclusion, the evidence points to the Arizona Cardinals embracing a “tanking” strategy. The players on the roster may still compete weekly. However, the organization’s strategy prioritizes securing a high draft pick in a draft class that is rich in top-tier quarterback talent. This approach may involve sacrificing the short-term outlook for a more promising long-term future.
In other words, it could be a long season for Cardinals fans.
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