After finishing his first season as a head coach with a 4-13 record, Jonathan Gannon said that while he was pleased with the teams’ fight, it simply wasn’t good enough. Now that those in the locker room and throughout the league have an idea how a Gannon-Monti Ossenfort regime operates, they'll look to build a playoff contender through free agency and the draft. The new league year begins on March 13, and with that comes free agency. Here's the fifth of 11 position breakdowns.
Free Agent primer schedule: ST Feb. 24; WR Feb. 26; CB March 4; RB March 5; S March 6; TE March 7, OLB March 8
Cap hit of players under contract for 2024 (via OverTheCap.com): K Matt Prater ($4,750,000), LS Matt Hembrough ($797,333)
Scheduled free agents: LS Aaron Brewer, P Blake Gillikin, KR/PR Greg Dortch (ERFA)
Need: High
Analysis: The Cardinals were very fortunate to have one of the league's most consistent special teams unit. Veteran kicker Matt Prater continued to make history, breaking the record for most 55-yard-plus field goals in a season and nailing career field goal No. 400 in the season finale.
History continued with punter Blake Gillikin. Signed midway through the season, Gillikin finished the year as the Cardinals franchise record holder for a season's punting average at 50.6 yards. He took to social media following the season to express his appreciation for the organization and "can't wait for the future, whether that's in Arizona or elsewhere."
Returner Greg Dortch is an exclusive free agent, which means if the Cardinals want to re-sign the speedster, he'll remain in the Valley.
Matt Hembrough is a name that some may remember from training camp as the rookie long snapper out of Oklahoma State, but he spent the season on IR. Teams don't normally hold a roster spot for two long snappers, and with Aaron Brewer slated to hit the market, it'll be intriguing to see who will be snapping to the specialists.
Notable past free agent special teams signings: K Prater (2021); K Phil Dawson (2017); P Andy Lee (2017); Brewer (2016); K Chandler Catanzaro (2014); P Drew Butler (2014); P Dave Zastudil (2011); K Jay Feely (2010); K Mike Nugent (2009); LS Mike Leach (2009); P Ben Graham (2008); P Dirk Johnson (2008); K Neil Rackers (2003); LS Nathan Hodel (2001); K Cary Blanchard (2000); K Chris Jacke (1998); P Scott Player (1998); K Joe Nedney (1997); LS Trey Junkin (1996); P Jeff Feagles (1994).
A look at some of the top specialists across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend, right, punts during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Philadelphia Eagles' Rick Lovato reacts during an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester (41) comes off the field after a special teams punt return against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Tennessee Titans place kicker Nick Folk (6) warms up before an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Cleveland Browns punter Corey Bojorquez punts during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
New York Jets punter Thomas Morstead (5) makes a punt during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
Houston Texans punter Cameron Johnston (11) punts during an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Brandon McManus (10) kicks a field goal against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Houston Texans place kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (15) makes a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans long snapper Morgan Cox warms up before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
