The Arizona Cardinals took some big steps forward during Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray's first year. They are building a good base, but they still need some key pieces to help get this team back into the playoffs and one day compete for a Super Bowl.
Let's break down the three biggest needs for the Cardinals entering the offseason.
3. Cornerback
Patrick Peterson wasn't as good as years past when he played during the 2019 season and it's unclear if he will even be on the team next season. The last draft they picked up Byron Murphy, who showed some flashes of being a great NFL cornerback, but he also is young and had some growing pains.
He should grow even better next season, but the team needs to find one more impact cornerback. Peterson is only under contract for one more year, so even if he does come back next season, his time seems to be nearing an end with the Cardinals.
Going forward, if Murphy is the only impact corner for the Cardinals, their defense is going to be in a lot of trouble.
2. Fixing The Defensive System
The best move might have been moving on from defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, but the team is bringing him back which means he needs to be willing to change. Kingsbury said his faith never wavered in Joseph, even when he was going through struggles.
“I never wavered in that,” Kingsbury said via the Cardinals team website. “His approach, knowing what I know of him and watching him work, things I saw from the first day I was with him, I knew I wanted him to be here.”
Joseph needs to not be so worried about using his system, rather using the strengths of the defense and building a system around it.
1. The Cardinals Need To Find A Playmaking Receiver
Larry Fitzgerald hasn't announced if he will be returning next season, but even if he does the team needs to find another impact wideout.
Christian Kirk is good and KeeSean Johnson and Andy Isabella are young, but they need to find a true number one. That might come through the draft or free agency, but whoever they decide on needs to come in and make a big impact instantly. How good would AJ Green or Emmanuel Sanders look in Arizona catching passes from Murray?
They could instantly improve the offense and would take this team one step closer to making the playoffs.
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