The Cardinals have three questions for the offseason in 2023. First, what to do with safety Budda Baker, quarterback Kyler Murray, and can a defense up in the air be settled with Isaiah Simmons.
3 Questions For the Arizona Cardinals Offseason
Where Does Isaiah Simmons Fit on Defense?
It is hard to believe that there could be a bigger head scratcher than the Cardinals offense. However, on defense, this appears to be a wide-open question. The issue for Arizona is finding a natural fit for Simmons. He has been a linebacker/safety hybrid player and spent much of this past season defending the slot. Now, head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis have Simmons working with the defensive backs. In 2022, the former Clemson star played 423 snaps, approximately 48.6% at corner and safety. This allows Simmons and Arizona to finally have a defensive home.
Keeping him at one position will pay dividends for both Arizona and for the 24-year-old. Last season, Simmons had 68 tackles along with four sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. Alongside Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson, Simmons will arguably complete a dynamic secondary that could surprise as one of the better units in the league.
The Cardinals have the best of both worlds. Simmons can play just about anywhere on defense. His football I.Q. is off the charts with the versatility he brings.
Will Kyler Murray Live Up to Expectations?
It is hard to imagine Kyler Murray wanted his career in Arizona to be so uncertain. The Cardinals are wide open to sending Murray elsewhere if they secure to first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Murray has had flashes, but not the kind to sustain his potential and the dollars he now makes. The bottom line is something has to give. What makes it tougher is the injury he is rehabbing, when he will return, and ultimately how he performs. Most frustrating for fans is not much is being reported.
What can be said is that it is most likely Murray begins training camp on the physically-unable-to-perform list (PUP). Should that be the status heading into Week 1, he will have to miss the first four games of the regular season. As for who starts in his place, the betting money remains on Colt McCoy. However, it is worth your while to keep an eye on rookie Clayton Tune.
Despite signing a five-year, $230.5 million contract that included over $103 million in guarantees, he only ranks fifth among quarterbacks. He has not had a 4,000-yard passing season, and was 14th in the league in passing yards. Murray is also six games under .500 as a starter, and his lone playoff start was a disaster of epic proportions.
Will Budda Baker Leave the Cardinals In the Offseason?
The Philadelphia Eagles were rumored to have loved the idea of adding not just Budda Baker but also Isaiah Simmons. Given the way the Super Bowl went on defense, you could see the curiosity.
Baker has been linked to the Eagles for some time, and some might say where there is smoke, there is also fire. However, as much as fans would love to see a good guy like Baker on the field for the Cardinals in 2023, Arizona has some serious cap issues. A big contract extension that would make Baker the highest-paid safety in NFL history is a serious consideration, around $16 million per season. That means he’s unhappy with his present deal, which pays him an average of $13.5 million for the next two years.
Budda Baker really wants to be an Eagle
pic.twitter.com/MCMrNw6EYk
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) April 18, 2023
The Eagles have about $13 million in cap room. If a team really wanted to go there – and Philadelphia G.M. Howie Roseman has done that before – he could find room.
Baker isn’t thrilled about a rebuild or his compensation, and fans cannot ignore that. If the Cardinals could trade him for any picks in the late second round or two strong early third round picks, they would pull the trigger. Arizona would be smart to sit and wait, as teams and Baker get closer to the preseason.
Main Photo: Rob Schumacher – USA Today Sports
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