The Cardinals doubled their win total in 2024, finishing the year with eight victories after back-to-back four win seasons. It's a step in the right direction for the Cardinals as general manager Monti Ossenfort is set to improve the team heading into 2025. While Ossenfort is credited for piecing together strong draft classes, the organization will take its swing at free agency first.
Free Agent primer schedule: Offensive Line March 5, Defensive Line March 6
Cap hit of players under contract for 2025 (via OverTheCap.com): Marvin Harrison Jr. ($8,039,714), Michael Wilson ($1,456,217), Andre Baccellia ($1,030,000), Quez Watkins ($1,030,000), Xavier Weaver ($1,030,000), Tejhaun Palmer ($840,000)
Analysis: This time last year, the wide receiver position was an area of need. That shifted once the Cardinals drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. to become WR1. After a season with Harrison in the building, the position remains an area the Cardinals will still want to evaluate.
Harrison's rookie campaign was good, hauling in eight touchdowns and 885 yards, but wasn't the year the fourth overall pick expected. GM Monti Ossenfort complimented Harrison's work ethic, sharing he had been in the facility every day since the season ended. More time building chemistry with Kyler Murray will improve Harrison's production.
Like Harrison, Michael Wilson felt he didn't reach his ceiling in his sophomore season in the league. Zay Jones, who the Cardinals signed during free agency last season, didn't make a significant dent on the stat sheet, finishing the season with eight catches for 84 yards.
Where the Cardinals lack is that speedy downfield target. Greg Dortch is entering the market as a restricted free agent, and if he leaves, that would create a greater speed hole. The Cardinals have already signed former Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins.
Still, whether through free agency or the draft, there could be interest in adding to the room. Doing so could open up the offense more for Harrison, Wilson, and tight end Trey McBride.
Notable past free agent wide receiver signings: A.J. Green (2021); Brice Butler (2018); Ted Ginn (2014); Sean Morey (2007).
A look at some of the top wide receivers across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins lines up against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) works against Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 36-30 in overtime. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) catches a pass during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024 in Chicago. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18) makes a reception during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Bills 32-29. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) carries during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
Houston Texans wide receiver Diontae Johnson (82) gets set during an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Houston. (Brooke Sutton via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) celebrates during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Bills 32-29. (Tyler McFarland/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
New York Giants' Darius Slayton plays during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) lines up for the snap during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
