3 Bold Predictions for the Cardinals Offseason

The Arizona Cardinals secured a playoff berth this past season for the first time since 2015 and seem to be developing into a true contender. However, pressure is definitely starting to build from an anxious fan base. Arizona's front office heads into the offseason with some crucial decisions to make.

It's not going to be easy for general manager Steve Keim to upgrade the roster given the Cardinals are only projected to have $2.7 million in available cap space. The team does own 10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, though. Let's take a look at three bold predictions for the Cardinals this offseason.

Cardinals Bold Predictions

1. Cardinals Do Not Sign Kyler Murray to Contract Extension

Of course, the Cardinals offseason is going to center around quarterback Kyler Murray and his recent demand of a contract extension. The three-year pro has expressed that he felt like a scapegoat after the team's blowout Wild Card loss. Murray owns a career record of 22-23-1and has yet to put it all together in the NFL. That makes the idea of Arizona committing to him long term rather unlikely. A scenario in which the Cardinals pick up his fifth-year option and simply waits to see how he performs in the fall is much more realistic. After all, Arizona would be forced to shed a ton of cap space if it were to conjure up a contract extension.

2. Cardinals Make Splash by Drafting Jameson Williams

Getting All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins back to full health should be high on the list of priorities for the Cardinals this offseason. That doesn't mean finding him a suitable partner in crime shouldn't be high on the list, too. Christian Kirk and AJ Green are set to enter free agency, while Rondale Moore racked up just 435 yards during his rookie season. The Cardinals own the No. 23 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and could see a wide receiver like Jameson Williams fall right into their lap. The Alabama standout was the best deep threat in college football this past fall and racked up 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. His elite speed should make for a smooth transition into the next level.

3. Cardinals Let Chandler Jones Walk in Free Agency

The Cardinals find themselves in a tough spot when it comes to the idea of re-signing Chandler Jones. On one side, the Pro Bowl linebacker logged 10.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles in an incredible 2021 season. On the other side, he is now 32 years old and will command a massive contract. Arizona simply may not have enough cap space to justify bringing him back. Making way for a younger player to take over at LB may be the move, instead. Letting Jones walk would also give the front office a bit of wiggle room when negotiating the return of players like tight end Zach Ertz and running back James Conner.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.