Big Red
Well-known member
- Mar 16, 2019
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Analysis: The Cardinals barely used tight ends in the first month of 2019, but coach Kliff Kingsbury changed his strategy and began to incorporate them more as the year went on. Maxx Williams proved to be a solid find in free agency and was signed to an extension in the middle of the season. He will have a prominent role, while Dan Arnold showed promise in the final month after joining the team via waivers from the Saints.
Charles Clay was a starter throughout the season, but it's unknown if the 31-year-old will return in 2020. Darrell Daniels was mostly a special teams piece and he figures to fight for a roster spot once again this offseason.
The Cardinals could head into 2020 with Williams and Arnold atop their depth chart, or make a play for a prominent piece either in free agency or the draft. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are a pair of tight ends who would give the Cardinals top-flight receiving ability at the position, although neither would come cheap. There is speculation the Chargers will use their franchise tag on Henry.
This will be an interesting position group to watch, as free agency and the draft could help foreshadow Kingsbury's plans for his tight end group in 2020.
Notable past free agent tight end signings: Clay (2019); 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).
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