It's good to be off -- everyone needs a recharge -- but I'm back, which is good since training camp is right around the corner. It's like we never left. Props to Dani, Craig and Zach for filling in on the 'bag, but I have returned to be your host. Questions have been edited for length and clarity. Don't forget to send a question for a future mailbag with at least a first name and last initial.
From Jakob C.
"How much time did Kyler end up spending with his receivers this offseason besides the minicamps? I know that's an important part for a lot of these quarterbacks. And has he done it previously? I'm excited for the whole passing game and the additions this team has made."
Kyler Murray wasn't going to be able to do any offseason stuff last year -- at the facility or not -- because of his knee injury. But he's been all in this offseason. It was clear (through social media) that even on many days when the Cardinals didn't have a workout at the facility (or even in addition to), Murray got some of his pass catchers together to throw. Once the offseason program ends, prior to training camp, players are not allowed to do football activities at the facility. But the crew was still working -- over last weekend, Murray posted a picture that featured him with Elijah Higgins, Marvin Harrison Jr., Zay Jones, Chris Moore, Greg Dortch, Andre Baccellia, Jeff Smith, Trey Benson, James Conner, Trey McBride, Tip Reiman and Michael Wilson.
Chemistry does matter. So yes, the time Kyler has spent with his pass catchers in all capacities will aid this offense. Can't argue otherwise.
From Evan T.
"So training camp is almost here. What are going to be the top camp position battles? What are the ones you want to see? I'm all about what happens at pass rusher. This team needs to get better at that spot."
As always, this question needs some clarification. There will be some serious battles for a spot on the 53-man roster. That's the hope. But if you are talking about starting roles, that trims the number somewhat. On offense, I am assuming Michael Wilson will be in the lineup with Marvin Harrison Jr., but I suppose a vet like Zay Jones can make a move. On the offensive line, can anyone push Evan Brown at left guard, at least to start the season? Defensively, I expect a fight to join Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols on the defensive line but that group rotates so much it'll probably be more about who wins a roster spot period. The same goes with outside linebacker. I think a cornerback spot aside from Sean Murphy-Bunting can go a couple of ways too. In the end, that would probably be my pick as most intriguing since it seems wide open.
From The Walker:
"It's training camp time, and this is the boys' last week off. I'm curious if there's any buzz about the young backup players we drafted this year. Specifically, G Isaiah Adams, DB Elijah Jones, Edge Xavier Thomas, OT Christian Jones, WR Tejhaun Palmer, DB Jaden Davis, and WR Xavier Weaver. They all have impressive speed. Is there any update on Jon Gaines' health? Will he be able to compete, or is he not yet back to full health? Finally, considering the D-Linemen we've added, do you think we'll see more of a four-man front this year?"
I don't know if there already should be an assumption they are going to be backups. Maybe Isaiah Adams can make a run at left guard. But generally, I don't know if I've heard any buzz, but that's not surprising prior to training camp (and to be honest, I'm leery of any pre-camp buzz anyway.) The latest we heard on Gaines was that he would be working in camp at some capacity, which tells me he won't be full go when things get started. With the defensive line, a four-man line is a nuanced thing here. DC Nick Rallis does so many different things, -- I mean technically, they had a no-DL line a couple times last season when everyone stood up. But will there be four-man lines more often? I truly think it'll depend on the opponent but I do think the Cardinals added enough to the room that if they want to do that in a particular game, they are better prepared than a season ago.
From Drew Greer:
"Why did they trade Rondale Moore for Ridder? Rondale, even if not a long-term keeper in Arizona, was a good player who contributed on game day. Ridder is neither a long-term keeper, nor a contributor on game day. And if Kyler does go down again, the season is over."
The Cardinals were going to make a lot of moves at wide receiver and wanted to move away from the smaller guys. They wanted Dortch. They weren't going to keep Rondale Moore, not when they planned to chase bigger guys in free agency (which turned out to be Zay Jones and Chris Moore) and in the draft (MHJ). Moore wasn't going to have a spot, so it made sense to move on earlier, for both the team's and his sake. The Cardinals were going to get what they could, and to get a QB that has NFL experience was helpful -- they needed someone besides Clayton Tune in the room. Maybe Ridder will only be around a season or two, I don't know. But if you are making the point Moore was going to be gone after this season anyway (and again, I don't see a path for him to be on the roster if he had stayed) I don't know why you'd have an issue with Ridder.
From T in 801:
"Here's just a curious one. Since the 2008 draft, who do you think are the top five players? And who are your top five favorite players drafted by the Cardinals that never signed a second contract with the team? I often think about some good players that came into the league through Arizona that never stuck around."
Since 2008? That's not a super long list (and cuts out some pre-08 possibilities) but I can give that a shot. I would say the top five players the Cardinals have drafted since 2008 are Patrick Peterson (2011), Calais Campbell (2008), Budda Baker (2017), Tyrann Mathieu (2013) and Daryl Washington (2010). As far as my "favorite" Cardinals who didn't sign a second deal, that's tougher because that's a lot more subjective. In no particular order, I'd list Christian Kirk, Chase Edmonds, Zach Allen, Haason Reddick, John Brown, DRC and Tim Hightower. There were reasons for all, but I enjoyed working with all those guys and they all produced.
From Nathan Mei:
"I'm not sure if you have any information beyond this, but do you have any hint or clue when MHJ jerseys will be available for purchase? I've been itching and waiting patiently to have one before the season opener against the Rams. I bought a Tillman throwback jersey to fill the void of buying a new jersey! Haha, Thank you for every single mailbag!"
I wish I had breaking news, but as most know that, while Harrison signed his contract and that does clear the way for jerseys to be produced, it is not a secret there has been an issue between MHJ and Fanatics, the company that produces the jerseys. I am guessing that until that is resolved, there will be hesitancy to take the jersey step. It's high-profile enough that I am sure everyone will know when it is resolved (like on the homepage of azcardinals.com, because I am sure we would blast the news to the world.)
From Garth Short:
"Darren, not a question, but a comment. Along the lines of the Position Overviews, I would rate your media team of Zach, Dani, Craig and Paul as locks, with no need for an upgrade. As the Media Coordinator (my title) just keep all your guys healthy and happy. As fans we are fortunate to have all of you. Welcome back."
We appreciate the kind words, Garth. And I think I speak for all of us that if indeed we will have another year in the league, we are blessed, but we treat every season like we're playing for a contract, we don't listen to outside noise, and we're just happy to be here.
