The Arizona Cardinals find themselves at an important crossroads this offseason. Yet they’re dealing with huge injuries and have a potentially franchise-altering decision to make on their next quarterback. The franchise has already matched its worst record in the modern era at 3-13. They are the team with 22 players on injured reserve, including key offensive stalwarts like their starting quarterback and both starting offensive tackles. This backslide has raised serious questions of the team’s direction. They only have a few weeks to work out these kinks as they prepare for the NFL Draft coming up in April.
With all the injury misfortune, the Cardinals will have a serious decision to make with their QB spot. And luckily for the franchise, the team has the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft. It now provides them with a perfect opportunity to draft a franchise changing prospect. Look at the three closest to each other—Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson. Simpson, a 6-foot-2, three-star quarterback, burst onto the scene with his dynamic pocket-passing abilities. The decision to draft a quarterback may hinge on whether Michael Bidwill, the team owner, opts to make changes to the coaching staff.
New head coach Jonathan Gannon previously voiced irritation about the team’s lack of success with turning their processes into wins. He stated, “A little bit when you’re losing for me at least,” acknowledging the challenges faced during this tumultuous season. Gannon has two years left on his contract. He did emphasize the need to assess the overall offense, particularly its success with both Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett at the helm.
On the season, Brissett, thrust into the starter role during Murray’s suspension and subsequent injury, delivered a sandwich of a campaign. He watched the Cardinals get crushed 45-17 against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14. Over the course of the game, he continually challenged plays that they were running from their coaching staff. “Just talk about us, focus on us,” recalled Robert. He doubled down on his focus to keep the team’s eyes on executing the play on the field, and not the storm brewing around them.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ defense gets criticized after allowing 40 points in three games during a five-game stretch. Only two weeks later they allowed another 37 points. This inconsistency and lack of direction is especially troubling when considering the larger trajectory of the franchise.
The looming decision on whether to draft a new quarterback will be influenced by Bidwill’s potential actions regarding Gannon’s future with the team. Even if he hires Gannon, the next head coach would probably want to bring in their own quarterback. That’s another layer of complexity this already challenging offseason, to say the least, provides.
The team’s precarious present state of affairs has made fans and analysts alike wonder what’s next for the team. ESPN’s Football Power Index currently gives the Cardinals an 83% chance of holding onto a top-five pick. This clear position puts them in a good spot to have significant leverage come draft time. Gannon acknowledged the weight of these decisions, stating, “How can I impact winning? You try to make some tweaks here or there. You keep a good attitude. You keep the right mindset.”
As they prepare for what could be a transformative offseason, the Arizona Cardinals must confront numerous questions about their roster, coaching staff, and overall strategy. The decisions made in the coming weeks will undoubtedly shape the future of the franchise as it seeks to emerge from a disappointing season.
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