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In the 2017 NFL free agency period the Arizona Cardinals have some decisions to make.
First, they have to decide how they are going to increase their $32-35 million in cap space, especially with an impending Chandler Jones franchise tag of over $15 million a season.
Second, they need to decide which free agents they are going to prioritize to bring back.
Allegedly, Tony Jefferson is going to hit free agency, despite the Cardinals attempts to get a deal done.
There has not been much movement on the Calais Campbell, D.J. Swearinger or Kevin Minter front.
There is, however a rumor that the Arizona Cardinals will be willing to pay Jermaine Gresham $6 million a season.
I have said that while Gresham is worth that on the open market, I do not believe his value is that high for the Arizona Cardinals.
However, the same cannot be said for free agent tight end Martellus Bennett.
Bennett is estimated to receive a similar contract to Gresham, maybe $18 million over three years, but Bennett is a better overall fit, in my opinion, in what the Arizona Cardinals want in a tight end.
ESPN agrees, from their insider article:
Arizona Cardinals
Martellus Bennett, TE | Position rank: 10th
For a team that uses a tight end as such a crucial part of its offense, the Cardinals might want to fix the revolving door of inadequacy that they've managed in recent years. For Arizona, it's a blocking-first position, and New England's Bennett has been one of the top blocking tight ends over the course of his career. The journeyman also adds some playmaking ability after the catch, as he led the league in broken tackles in 2013 and 2014.
Bennett is hands down a better blocking tight end, but he has also consistently performed as well as Gresham in the receiving department, and in the last six seasons he has been a superior receiving option.
If the Cardinals are going to spend money at the position, should they not spend it on a superior player?