A.J. Green

5 Wide Receiver free agents the Arizona Cardinals should consider

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:40 p.m. ET

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The Arizona Cardinals need help at the receiver position after the loss of Michael Floyd, and there are 5 guys that could help

While the Cardinals will be looking in the Draft, theres a nice list of Free Agents to be in 2017. When the Cardinals released Michael Floyd they lost a big receiver that was supposed to be the number 1 after Larry Fitzgerald retired. The Cardinals are down to Fitzgerald, John Brown, Jaron Brown, J.J Nelson, Brittan Golden, and recently signed Jeremy Ross from the Jets.

Fitzgerald is now year to year, and no one really knows when he is going to call it quits. Jaron Brown is on IR, after a promising start to the 2016 season. John Brown is battling a sickle cell in his leg and it looks to be affecting his play.

J.J Nelson is proving to the Cardinals he can be a threat and will definitely stick around. Golden is a likable special teams player and a solid reserve, he is also an emergency defensive back.

When the Cardinals enter the off season they need to think “Big receiver”. Arizona will likely pursue this position in the draft. So the young guy can learn from a future hall of famer in Larry Fitzgerald, But there is also a nice list of free agents to be heading into the 2017 off season.

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5. Brandon Lafell

With size and experience, he could be a nice fit in the Desert

Bengals Wide Receiver, Brandon Lafell has had a nice first year in Cincinnati. The seventh-year wide out has caught 51 passes for 665 yards and 5 touchdowns through 14 games. Lafell has emerged as a big target for Andy Dalton, When Bengals star receiver went down with a hamstring injury, Lafell stepped in nicely.

What could he bring to Arizona?

Height and experience. At 6-3, Lafell is a big target and a mismatch on the field. Recently released former Cardinals receiver, and now Patriots receiver Michael Floyd is 6-3. So Lafell would fill that void nicely. He also has seven years of experience. At 30 years old he has learned and played with some NFL stars such as Steve Smith Sr. and AJ Green. Lafell has also been pretty consistent through his NFL career. Posting 500+ yard seasons since 2011. If Lafell isn’t resigned by the Bengals and is available the Cardinals should take a look.

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4. Kenny Britt

He’s emerging as a top receiver in Los Angeles, and closing in on his first 1000-yard season

Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt is built to succeed in the NFL. At 6-3 and 224 pounds he is a huge target for any QB who throws to him. Britt is succeeding in his 8th season and approaching his first 1000-yard season.

What could he bring to Arizona?

He could bring pretty much everything the Cardinals would want in a Wide out. Size, Ability, experience, and the most appealing, age. Britt is only 28, and with 8 seasons under his belt he has the experience. His size and his play making ability make him a huge mismatch against opposing defenses. Britt also knows the Cardinals very well, after playing them six times in the past three seasons. Even though he will be an option. Britt is having his best season yet, so its probably a given that the Rams will be looking to get a deal done.

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3. Marquis Goodwin

The speedy Olympian could help a beat up Cardinals deep game

Marquis Goodwin played a big part in keeping the Bills offense alive when Sammy Watkins went down with injury. He is explosive when given the space and can pretty much outrun anyone in the NFL. The only difference is that Goodwin is 5-10 and the smallest receiver on this list.

What could he bring to Arizona?

Speed. Goodwin is an Olympian. he is very, very fast. He ran a 4.2 40 yard dash in the NFL combine and hasn’t looked back. In two games this year he exploded past corners for a 84 and 67 yard touchdown.

A pick up of Goodwin would be a smart move if Arizona drafted a big receiver with size and power because they already have two speedy receivers in Brown and Nelson. Goodwin could be a hidden gem, and with the right system (like Bruce Arians deep game) and quarterback (Carson Palmers arm) his numbers would be huge.

Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

2. Alshon Jeffrey

With his ability, Alshon Jeffrey would be gold to the Cardinals offense

The Bears used their franchise tag this past off season on Jeffrey. He wanted a big payday but Chicago wanted him to prove to them he deserved it after his play has slowly declined since 2013 when he posted a 1400 yard season. Nearing the end of the season he has posted 719 yards and 2 touchdowns.

What could he bring to Arizona?

His play making ability. In 2013 Jeffrey posted 89 receptions and 1,421 yards and 7 touchdowns. Ever since his stats have gone down, and he hasn’t been as productive. In a year the Bears wanted him to improve, he hasn’t.

It didn’t help that he was injured for a couple games as well. Jeffrey will be the most sought after wide out in free agency and will most likely be kept by the Bears. If Chicago decides to part ways and not offer a contract, the Bears receiver would want a nice pay day.

Arizona will likely try to spend that money elsewhere. If it is the right price, and with his size and athleticism. A Palmer to Jeffrey combo could mean trouble for defenses. Also a fresh start with a good system could mean Jeffrey gets back to his old ways.

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1. Kenny Stills

The Dolphins receiver has shown he can by a threat and Arizona needs help with big plays

Kenny Stills has had quite the year for Miami. With seven touchdowns on the year 6 of those have been for over 20+ yards, four have been for 40+ yards. Stills is having his beat season since 2014 when he was with the saints. Posting 650 yards and seven touchdowns.

How could he bring to Arizona?

His ability to make big plays. Stills is a big play threat and with an arm like Carson Palmer’s, and Bruce Arians no risk it no biscuit mentality, Stills could explode in Arizona. At 6-0 and 195 pounds he is solid and strong and can win battles against defenses. Stills is also only 24 years old. He has a ton of time to improve and learn, and who else is better to learn from than Larry Fitzgerald? If Miami does not offer Stills a contract he likes and the Cardinals are willing to take a look, Stills could make some noise in the desert.