The Arizona Cardinals are still months away from having to make decisions about the final 53-man roster. However, looking ahead, in addition to filling the roster with guys who can play offense or defense, special teams contributions become a factor.
Sometimes, a player is both a special teams ace and a contributor on offense or defense. Linebacker Dennis Gardeck is a perfect example of that. He led the team in sacks in 2023 and also played 181 special teams snaps, logging three special teams tackles. Because he played so much on defense, he played the fewest special teams snaps of his career.
But other guys will not figure on offense or defense but could make roster decisions tough because they are or can be core special teams players.
The Cardinals have several guys to watch in the offseason, training camp and preseason because they will be special teams aces who could occupy spots on the roster.
Who are the guys to know who could bump able players off the roster?