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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jess Root

Final moves for the Cardinals to make during offseason

The Arizona Cardinals have a few weeks remaining until the start of training camp. They seem content with the roster they currently have.

But what final moves could there be leading up to training camp and once it has started?

ESPN’s Field Yates guessed one final move for each team.

Here are the moves the Cardinals could and should make.

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Add a veteran center

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

This is the move Yates suggested.

It is a move long speculated all offseason. While they seem pleased with Hjalte Froholdt for now and rookie Jon Gaines might be the future at the position, the Cardinals did bring in veteran Chase Roullier in for a visit recently. His visit suggests it is a focus for the weeks to come.

Sign second-round pick B.J. Ojulari

Arizona Cardinals linebacker BJ Ojulari (18) during organized team activities on June 1, 2023, at Cardinals Dignity Health Training Center in Tempe.

Ojulari is the Cardinals’ lone unsigned pick. It probably won’t be long, as the picks before and after him have inked their deals.

Guaranteed salaries seem to be the focus.

It will happen, but it is a move that still needs to happen.

Extend Budda Baker's contract

Joe Rondone-Arizona Republic

Baker’s contract status is what led him to request a trade and is why he did not report for voluntary offseason work. He also did not practice in mandatory minicamp.

The team has been effusive about praise for Baker and he is a cornerstone for the type of player the new staff wants.

General manager Monti Ossenfort has been in regular communication with Baker’s representation, so perhaps they can agree on some additional guarantees or a full extension.

Add a veteran running back

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) dances during minicamp at the Cardinals Dignity Health Training Center in Tempe on June 13, 2023.

The Cardinals are expected to make running the football a focus on offense this coming season. Their only proven back is James Conner. They have some promising young talent, but adding a veteran to the room would make sense.

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