The Arizona Cardinals have recently made a significant move by adding tight end Josiah Deguara to their roster. This acquisition is one that will undoubtedly draw attention from fans and analysts alike, as it represents a strategic addition to the team’s roster in a critical position. With the tight end role becoming increasingly important in modern NFL offenses, Deguara’s addition could have a lasting impact on the Cardinals’ offensive game plan moving forward.
Deguara, who comes to the Cardinals after spending a few seasons with the Green Bay Packers, is expected to provide depth and experience to an already talented group of tight ends in Arizona. His experience in Green Bay, especially with the Packers’ high-powered offense, has likely prepared him well for the challenges he will face in the desert. The move could be seen as the Cardinals aiming to reinforce their tight end corps as they look to build a more versatile and dynamic offense under head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
The tight end position in the NFL is one of the most diverse in terms of responsibilities. Tight ends are often called upon to perform a variety of roles that range from catching passes to blocking for the running game. In today’s NFL, the modern tight end is often expected to be a hybrid player — someone who can line up as a traditional tight end, but also function as an H-back, fullback, or even as a wide receiver in certain formations. Deguara, with his versatility, could prove to be a valuable asset in this regard.
Josiah Deguara was originally drafted by the Packers in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, a relatively high pick for a tight end, signaling that Green Bay saw significant potential in him. During his time in Green Bay, Deguara showed flashes of his potential, but his career there had its ups and downs. Injuries played a significant role in limiting his impact early on, but he did have opportunities to contribute when healthy. His time with the Packers saw him mostly used as a traditional tight end, but he did have a chance to develop into a player who could stretch the field, a skill that could be highly useful in Arizona’s offense.
One of Deguara’s most notable traits is his ability to block effectively in the running game. This skill is incredibly valuable to a team looking to establish a consistent ground game. In Arizona, where the offense is expected to center around a dynamic running attack, Deguara’s ability to contribute in the trenches could be vital. His blocking could create running lanes for the Cardinals’ running backs, including the explosive James Conner, who has proven to be a powerful back when given space. Arizona has struggled at times to establish a consistent rushing attack, so the addition of a solid blocker like Deguara could help to change that dynamic.
Beyond his blocking, Deguara’s receiving abilities will likely be one of the focal points for the Cardinals’ offensive staff as they attempt to integrate him into their system. Although he hasn’t been a major receiving threat in his previous stops, his potential to develop into a reliable target in the passing game is undeniable. During his time at Cincinnati, Deguara was known for his ability to catch passes and make plays in the open field. He finished his college career with more than 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, which is impressive for a tight end. The Cardinals, under the guidance of Petzing, are expected to run a more balanced offense that will rely heavily on the passing game, and Deguara’s ability to stretch the field could add another dimension to the passing attack.
In Arizona, Deguara will join a tight end room that already has some talented players, including Zach Ertz, who has been one of the most consistent and productive tight ends in the league for years, and Trey McBride, a promising young player who had an encouraging rookie season in 2023. The addition of Deguara adds depth and competition to the group, which could push everyone to improve. Ertz, who is coming off a significant knee injury, is likely to play a pivotal role as a veteran leader in the tight end room, while McBride will look to continue developing into a key piece of the offense. Deguara could be used in a rotational role, allowing him to contribute without necessarily having to carry a heavy load in terms of snaps. His ability to be an asset both as a blocker and a pass-catcher should allow the Cardinals to mix and match personnel packages, keeping defenses guessing.
With the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position in Arizona, the tight end group could become even more important. The Cardinals’ offense, particularly early in the season, could lean on short and intermediate passes to create rhythm and gain easy yardage. Tight ends, who are often used in the middle of the field, could be critical in such an offense. Deguara, as a reliable pass-catching option, could serve as a safety valve for whichever quarterback is under center. The ability to throw quick passes to a tight end could help the offense maintain tempo and keep defenses off balance.
Furthermore, Deguara’s knowledge of the NFL and his experience in a competitive system like Green Bay’s could help him adapt quickly to Arizona’s offense. The Packers’ offense, under head coach Matt LaFleur, had a strong emphasis on utilizing tight ends effectively, and Deguara was often called upon to contribute in both the passing and running games. This experience will help him make a seamless transition to Arizona’s system, where a balanced approach is likely to be employed.
The Cardinals, like many teams in the league, are in a phase of transition, both in terms of their personnel and overall team philosophy. The decision to add Deguara reflects the team’s desire to bolster its roster with players who have a proven track record and can contribute immediately. While there is certainly room for improvement across the roster, particularly on offense, the tight end position has the potential to be a strength for Arizona in the years to come.
Looking ahead, the future of the tight end position for the Arizona Cardinals is bright. With the addition of Josiah Deguara, the team has added another capable piece to its roster. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Deguara fits into the team’s offensive schemes and how his presence influences the Cardinals’ offensive identity. If he can stay healthy and live up to his potential, Deguara could be a significant factor in the success of the offense in 2025 and beyond.
In conclusion, the addition of Josiah Deguara to the Arizona Cardinals’ roster is an exciting move for the team. His blend of blocking ability, receiving potential, and experience in a high-level NFL offense makes him a valuable asset to a team looking to build a balanced and efficient offense. His versatility at the tight end position will allow the Cardinals to be more creative in their approach, while his leadership and experience will be invaluable to a young and developing team. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Deguara’s role evolves and whether he can help push the Cardinals to new heights on offense.