Chopper0080
2021 - Prove It
Christian Kirk is having a very productive season in his contract year and finally in the role that best suits him (ala Reddick). The problem is that Kirk is going to want to get far greater than his production and his lack of versatility will be a factor when deciding to pay him. On top of this, Rondale Moore (aka Ant-Man) looks amazing and like he needs more snaps in games potentially at the same spot Kirk plays. Here is what we know.
1 - Kirk can't play outside. At least not well. Multiple seasons have shown that.
2 - Kirk as a primary slot WR in this offense equates to 60% of snaps, 37th in the NFL in yards, 80th in targets and 40th in receptions.
3 - To increase that, Rondale or our starting TE would need to play less. Neither are great options.
4 - Hard decisions will need to be had as we are approaching Kyler's extension which will squeeze the roster.
5 - AJ Green will be a FA and that would leave an opening at the outside WR role.
Here is where the Cardinals would benefit from some tinkering in order to see if they can afford to re-sign Kirk and that tinkering is getting Rondale Moore reps as the outside WR in 21 and 12 personnel groupings. If he can show he can make it work, then you let AJ go, re-sign Kirk to maintain his current role and elevate Moore to the #2 WR role. If he can't, you know you need to retain AJ Green, give Moore an expanded role and find a 4th WR option for the 25% to 45% role Moore would be vacating. Either way, as they can afford to, the Cardinals would be wise to find opportunities to see all of what Moore can do so they can make an educated decision regarding Kirk in the off-season.
1 - Kirk can't play outside. At least not well. Multiple seasons have shown that.
2 - Kirk as a primary slot WR in this offense equates to 60% of snaps, 37th in the NFL in yards, 80th in targets and 40th in receptions.
3 - To increase that, Rondale or our starting TE would need to play less. Neither are great options.
4 - Hard decisions will need to be had as we are approaching Kyler's extension which will squeeze the roster.
5 - AJ Green will be a FA and that would leave an opening at the outside WR role.
Here is where the Cardinals would benefit from some tinkering in order to see if they can afford to re-sign Kirk and that tinkering is getting Rondale Moore reps as the outside WR in 21 and 12 personnel groupings. If he can show he can make it work, then you let AJ go, re-sign Kirk to maintain his current role and elevate Moore to the #2 WR role. If he can't, you know you need to retain AJ Green, give Moore an expanded role and find a 4th WR option for the 25% to 45% role Moore would be vacating. Either way, as they can afford to, the Cardinals would be wise to find opportunities to see all of what Moore can do so they can make an educated decision regarding Kirk in the off-season.