Arizona Cardinals Predicted To Sign 5-Time Pro Bowl WR To Give Kyler Murray Another Weapon

With an 8-9 record to close out 2024, the Arizona Cardinals narrowly missed the playoffs. While quarterback Kyler Murray and running back James Conner performed well, the receiving corps had its ups and downs. With questions surrounding Murray’s targets, could Arizona be in the market for a new wide receiver?

Former Top-Five Pick Headed to Cardinals?

NFL writer Nick Shook recently detailed where he believes some remaining free agents may land. Shook speculates that former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper could sign with the Cardinals and become a valuable asset to Murray.

“This was the most difficult player to place with a team because Cooper has entered unenviable territory: He is a veteran receiver who likes playing for a contender but might not fit in with all of them,” Shook wrote.

“Just look at his Bills tenure. Cooper arrived as a highly touted in-season addition, caught a touchdown pass in his first game with Buffalo, then faded out of the rotation.

“He finished with 32 targets in eight games — 21 fewer than he saw in six games with the Browns last season. If he can’t make a difference in an offense led by NFL MVP Josh Allen, where can he?

“This is why it comes down to fit, and while I’d like to send every receiver to Seattle, Cleveland, or Las Vegas, none of them felt quite right for Cooper. Let’s instead move him to Arizona, where he can get open for Kyler Murray and become the trusted, experienced target Murray needs on third down. He might be able to help Marvin Harrison Jr. get his trajectory on a better track, too.”

Shook notes that Cooper’s presence could also help Arizona’s young star, Marvin Harrison Jr., who had a solid rookie season but didn’t fully meet his lofty expectations.

Arizona’s Offense and Receiver Play in 2024

Arizona’s offense in 2024 was one-dimensional. Whether they ran the ball with Conner or passed to Harrison or tight end Trey McBride, the distribution was heavily concentrated.

Harrison and McBride were so central to offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s scheme that they accounted for 46% of the team’s receptions and 50% of total targets.

While Harrison didn’t reach 1,000 receiving yards in his first season, he led all Cardinals pass catchers with eight touchdowns. McBride, on the other hand, was one of just three tight ends to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in 2024. But he struggled to find the end zone, finishing with just two touchdowns — a major issue for Arizona’s red-zone efficiency.

Adding Cooper to the mix could open things up for Harrison and McBride. Harrison would likely have more opportunities for yards, while McBride could see more red-zone targets and scoring chances.

While Cooper may not be the dominant receiver he once was, his presence in Arizona could provide more than just his on-field abilities — it could help balance the offense and provide a veteran presence in the locker room.