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Arizona Cardinals: 3 Possible targets in 2019 NFL free agency

By Larry Brake

TEMPE, AZ - JANUARY 09: Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim talks to the media during a press conference introducing the new head coach Kliff Kingsbury at the Arizona Cardinals Training Facility on January 9, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - JANUARY 09: Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim talks to the media during a press conference introducing the new head coach Kliff Kingsbury at the Arizona Cardinals Training Facility on January 9, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 08: Jesse James #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs into the end zone for an 8 yard touchdown reception during the third quarter in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 08: Jesse James #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs into the end zone for an 8 yard touchdown reception during the third quarter in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Jesse James, TE

Jesse James would be a nice addition to the Cardinals receiving corps. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after his rookie contract expires in March.

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Arizona have not had a receiving threat at tight end since Jackie Smith. Smith caught 480 passes for 7,918 yards with 40 touchdowns wearing the Cardinals uniform from 1963-77.

Ricky Seals-Jones is an exclusive rights restricted free agent. He signed a two-year contract in 2017. Arizona has the option of signing him or allow him to move on because he has played fewer than three NFL seasons.

James is more of a receiving threat. In Pittsburgh, he caught 120 passes for 1,189 yards with nine touchdowns. Most of all, he averaged 9.9 yards per reception. James is able to make the critical third down reception to move the chains.

Remember, James’ catch/no catch against New England was a driving force for the NFL to re-evaluate the reception rule. James would take pressure off Fitzgerald. At 6-7, 261 pounds, he would be a physical presence for opposing secondaries to cover.

Financially, James would be affordable on the salary cap. Expect Arizona to offer a two-year deal because the current collective bargaining agreement ends after the 2020 season.

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