GLENDALE – Through all the major moves the Arizona Cardinals made this offseason, the offense hasn’t had any significant additions. The receiving threats are still headlined by Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr., with no flashy newcomer signed or drafted. General Manager Monti Ossenfort honed in on improving the defense, but could him not addressing the offense hurt the team?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Pro Football Focus NFL analyst Mason Cameron has a solution. In a recent article titled “One last move for every NFC team,” Cameron had the Cardinals signing a veteran wide receiver to give quarterback Kyler Murray another option next year in the form of Keenan Allen.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cameron on what Allen brings to Cardinals:
“Keenan Allen would be an incredible addition. Although a nagging injury hindered his production in Chicago this past season, when healthy, Allen is a productive option out of the slot, evidenced by his 2.21 yards per route run (90th percentile) across the two seasons prior.”
Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) signals first down after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Allen is a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver that is one of the most consistent in the league over the past decade. The 33-year-old has recorded over 100 catches and 1000 receiving yards in five of the past eight seasons, while only scoring less than six touchdowns in one of the past eight years.
In 2024, Allen got traded to the Chicago Beas, where injuries and a rookie quarterback had his production have a steep drop off with 744 receiving yards and 70 catches. His lone season with the Bears was the last year of his four-year, $80 million contract and is now a free agent.
Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) reacts after a touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Teams are hesitant to take a flyer on an older, injury prone wide receiver. However, Arizona is in need of a veteran presence in the receiving room, with fifth-year Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch the longest tenured NFL player.
Opponents are going to be honed in on McBride and Harrison in the passing game, and adding another weapon for Murray gives the offense more versatility next year. Allen is one of the best technique route runners in the league and giving Murray that type of weapon will open up the offense even more.
Cardinals starting LB Mack Wilson believes team will make jump next season
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
