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 10th of 11 position breakdowns.
Free Agent primer schedule: TE March 7; OLB March 8
Cap hit of players under contract for 2024 (via OverTheCap.com): Trey McBride ($1,718,089), Elijah Higgins ($915,000), Blake Whiteheart ($915,000), Travis Vokolek ($915,000), Bernhard Seikovits ($795,000)
Scheduled free agents: Geoff Swaim
Need: Medium
Analysis: Raise a hand if you thought back in August that Trey McBride would finish the 2023 season arguably as a Top five tight end. There wouldn't be tons of hands up for the second-year playmaker out of Colorado State. This season he became the first tight end in 34 years to eclipse 100 yards in a game and became the franchise record holder for most receptions in a season at the position with 81.
Zach Ertz was the Cardinals starting tight end prior to being placed on injured reserve and ultimately released, opening the door for McBride. Geoff Swaim is a suitable backup for McBride, being the elder statesman in the room full of youth. His veteran leadership and experience helped but Swaim is a scheduled free agent. The Cardinals need a veteran presence, whether it is Swaim or someone else.
Switching from wide receiver to tight end, Elijah Higgins grew in the role, especially once Swaim joined injured reserve. A full summer training as a tight end will allow Higgins to evolve within the position.
Notable past free agent tight end signings: Charles Clay (2019); Maxx Williams (2019); Jermaine Gresham (2015); John Carlson (2014); Jake Ballard (2013); Darren Fells (2013); Todd Heap (2011); Jeff King (2011); Freddie Jones (2002); Chris Gedney (1997).
A look at some of the top tight ends across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) catches the ball for a touchdown while defended by Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
New England Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki (88) catches pass for touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game in Empower Field at Mile High Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett (7) misses a pass in the endzone as he is pressured by Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) gets tackled with the ball during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 in Seattle. The 49ers won 31-13. (AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith (81) plays against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman (82) celebrates his touchdown as quarterback Russell Wilson (3) approaches to congratulate him during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr. (81) runs past Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams (42) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson (84) catches a pass ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers safety Eric Rowe (25) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
