Revised 2025 Arizona Cardinals’ Off-Season Plan

Her’s an update on the moves I would suggest and why

First of all, as many of you know, I am a strong believer in QB Clayton Tune as being a superb fit for Drew Petzing’s offense. Over the past 24 hours I have been making my case for Clayton in the following ways:

What QB Clayton Tune does very well: (1) sets up strong in the pocket; (2) senses pressure quickly then floats or escapes accordingly; (3) makes money throws — pure dimes — over the middle (which is something Petzing’s offense needs much more of); (4) throws with a fundamentally tight quick-snap release. Currently best QB on the roster at all of these aspects. See here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Z5RS7nXqZBA

Clayton Tune comp: a faster, more athletic version of Jared Goff (DET)

Height/Weight: CT: 6-3, 220; JG: 6-4, 215

Hand Size: CT: 9 3/8”; JG: 9”

40: CT: 4.62; JG: 4.82

20 yd-shuttle: CT: 4.25; JG: 4.49

3-cone: CT: 6.89; JG: 7.17

Vert.: CT: 37.5”; JG: 27”

Broad: CT: 10’2”; JG: 9’2”

College stats:

Comp. %: CT: 63.4%; JG: 62.3%

Yards Passing: CT: 11,989; JG: 12,195

TD/INT: CT: 104/41; JG: 96/30

Yards Rushing: CT: 1,248; JG: -144

Rushing TDs: CT: 15; JG: 1

RTG: CT: 148.5; JG: 143.9

I am of the belief that a stronger pocket passer who can throw dimes over the middle (from pocket and off play action) is what could take Drew Petzing’s offense to the next level of efficiency.

Clayton Tune’s one start versus the Browns the week that Josh Dobbs was traded and the coaches did not want Kyler Murray to return to action just yet was about as rough as an NFL initiation can get. I thought Clayton Tune took his lumps versus the Browns’ overwhelming pass rush like a man and handled himself afterward with resolve. One of Clayton Tune’s most impressive traits is his resiliency and his determination. But to judge Clayton Tune on that one game under those impossible circumstances —- off of one week of 1st team reps in Week 9 of the season —- is unfair. This is why I felt the need to go back and watch his tapes at Houston to remind myself of the things I liked about him coming into the draft.

Clayton Tune still believes he is as good as any of the QBs in his draft class. I believe him. Not only that, I have been watching tapes of the top QBs in this year’s draft and I think Clayton’s combination of arm talent, size and athleticism puts him right up there with the most highly rated. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders have big arms but neither one of them can use their feet like Clayton can. Take a look for yourself. This is why I do not believe the Cardinals need to take a QB in the draft on Day 1 or Day 2. A developmental QB like Memphis’ Seth Henigan would be good value later on Day 3.

Is trading Kyler Murray an option?

I agree with Mike Florio. I believe that for Kyler Murray, a fresh start in an offense that better suits his strengths is what it best for him.

I also believe that IF —- Monti Ossenfort is going to follow through on his pledge to align all aspects of the organization with regard to system philosophies and player personnel, then he and the organization need to pursue the best alignments at all positions.

QB suggestion: Trade Kyler, sign Justin Fields and have him and Clayton Tune compete for the starting job. Draft Seth Henigan late on Day 3 to be the QB3.

Trade QB Kyler to the Saints for the #9 and #202 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft

This is based on the presumption that Eagles’ OC Kellen Moore is going to become the Saints’ new HC. And seeing how nifty Moore’s work with Jalen Hurts has been, one could imagine he would relish the opportunity to do the same with Kyler Murray.

Trade or release the following players:

• T Jonah Williams
• S Jalen Thompson

Re-sign the following in-house UFAs:

• T Kelvin Beachum
• G/C Trystan Colon
• LS Aaron Brewer
• LB Krys Barnes
• ED Barron Browning
• DT Naquan Jones
• NT Roy Lopez

Re-sign the following RFA/ERFAs:

• WR Greg Dortch
• LB Jesse Luketa
• S Joey Blount
• TE Travis Vokolek

Sign the following UFAs:

• LB Zach Baun (PHI) —- #1 priority, out-bid the field —- he’s a premier fit as equally good run stopper/cover ILB for Nick Rallis’ defense. Click here for highlights:

Zack Baun 2024 Regular Season Highlights [HD] (youtube.com)

• DT Osa Odighizuwa (DAL) —- imagine Osa and Darius as the interior rushing tandem. Plus, Cowboys gonna poach Klayton Adams, we gonna poach Osa right back at em.

• QB Justin Fields (PIT) —- the Ohio St. connections now in Arizona could make this signing special. I thought he played well in his 4-2 start for the Steelers. Have a look here:

Justin Fields 2024 Highlights (youtube.com)

• LG Teven Jenkins (CHI) —- 6-6, 321, 26, 2024 grade: 75.4 —- perfect system fit in his prime.

2025 NFL Draft:

• R1 —- #9 —- James Pearce Jr., ED, Tennessee, 6-4, 242 —-

I have a slightly higher grade on Pearce as an edge rusher what I had on Jared Verse. Tape don’t lie!

• R1 —- #16 —— Armand Membou, RT, Missouri, 6-3, 314 —-

If there ever was a RT made to order for Drew Petzing’s offense, Membou, who gave up 0 sacks and only 8 pressures in the SEC this past season is that guy. Plus, he is a zone run blocking force of nature.

• R2 —- #47 —- Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio St. —- 6-4, 320 —-

Have to love Jackson’s superb versatility. For us, he’d be too good to pass up as one of our starters at G. Most likely RG.

• R3 —- #78 —- Deone Walker, DT, 6-6, 345, Kentucky —-

Classic, huge, physical run stuffing slobberknocker.

• R4 —- #113 —- Pat Bryant, WR, 6-3, 200, Illinois —-

Big target, multi-dimensional WR who can win from any spot on the field.

• R5 —- #153 —- Jah Joyner, ED, Minnesota, 6-5, 265 —-

Showcased his superior physical talents at Mobile. Would be a steal here for cards and new DL coach Winston DeLattiboudere..

• R6 —- #205 —- Seth McLaughlin, C, 6-4, 304, Ohio St.

Man, new OL coach Justin Frye can hot the 2025 NFL Draft trifecta at T, G, C with Armand Membou, Donovan Jackson and Seth McLaughlin.

• R7 —- #250 —- Seth Henigan, QB, 6-3, 215, Memphis —-

Love Henigan’s tenacity and uber competitiveness throughout his excellent tenure at Memphis and which led to an epic finish at the Senior Bowl with his last second TD toss to WR Jack Bech from TCU. Henigan is a gamer.