{"id":138902,"date":"2023-02-24T08:30:04","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T13:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=138902"},"modified":"2023-02-23T21:39:44","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T02:39:44","slug":"arizona-cardinals-free-agency-targets-amid-coaching-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/02\/24\/arizona-cardinals-free-agency-targets-amid-coaching-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Cardinals Free Agency Targets Amid Coaching Changes"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Arizona Cardinals free agency targets have undoubtedly changed due to the coaching changes. The team sacked Kliff Kingsbury<\/a> and Steve Keim<\/a> at the end of the season, making way for GM Monti Ossenfort<\/a> and head coach Jonathan Gannon<\/a>. It marks the dawn of a new era in Arizona. Within a week, Gannon and Ossenfort have assembled a strong supporting cast, including Nick Rallis as defensive coordinator<\/a> and Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A large part of Arizona\u2019s new project has come down to trust, familiarity and a shared vision. Gannon has been sure to appoint people who he is familiar with. Rallis was the linebackers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles when Gannon was defensive coordinator there. Meanwhile, Petzing and Gannon shared time on the Minnesota Vikings together. Gannon has also appointed Israel Woolfork to be the Cardinals\u2019 new quarterbacks coach. Woolfork worked with Petzing on the Cleveland Browns.<\/p>\n

Given the makeup of the coaching staff, expect this tactic to be deployed during free agency too. Gannon will aim to get Ossenfort to sign players who align with Arizona\u2019s new philosophy and tactics. This is not an unfamiliar sight in the NFL, or even in the history of the Cardinals. When Bruce Arians and Steve Keim took over in 2013, players like Yeremiah Bell (who were familiar with Arians) were signed on the roster. Arians also brought players he trusted to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers too, such as Kevin Minter and Deone Bucannon.<\/p>\n

Five Arizona Cardinals Free Agency Targets Amid Coaching Changes<\/h2>\n

1. Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback<\/h3>\n

Jacoby Brissett is a prime candidate to be a Cardinal this offseason. The Browns quarterback played some of his best football with Petzing in place of the suspended Deshaun Watson. He also has shared time with Ossenfort on the New England Patriots. The 30-year-old is regarded as one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league. In 2022, he threw for 2,607 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions whilst adding 243 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. In 11 games, he went 4-7. With Petzing at the helm, Brissett would join Arizona with good scheme familiarity. And, of course, Philadephia\u2019s famous quarterback sneak<\/a> tactic may be brought over. Brissett has been heralded as a sneak artist<\/a> before, making him the perfect candidate for Arizona’s new offense.<\/p>\n

Brissett would be the perfect stop-gap option to stand in for Kyler Murray. Murray is rehabilitating from an ACL tear and is set to return during the 2023 season. Should the Cardinals be a basement dweller in 2023, they may opt to keep Murray sidelined longer to allow him to recover. As such, a competent backup is needed. Per Dave Pasch\u2019s podcast, respected backup Colt McCoy is still dealing with various injuries from the season. The 36-year-old stepped up in place of Murray last year but took several beatings. The Cardinals finished the season with Trace McSorley and David Blough. Should McCoy\u2019s injuries worsen, or he decides to retire due to them, the need for Brissett becomes heightened. Even when Murray is back, Arizona could try to keep Brissett for a low price. He could be deployed as the short-yardage quarterback sneak option, given his effectiveness.<\/p>\n

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Enjoy the Jacoby Brissett QB sneak montage. pic.twitter.com\/1KVKio2EV2<\/a><\/p>\n

— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) September 24, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n