The Arizona Cardinals have made a noteworthy move this offseason, signing veteran tight end Josiah Deguara to strengthen their roster for the 2024 season. Deguara, 28, comes with a wealth of experience, having played for both the Green Bay Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars throughout five seasons. His addition to the tight end group is expected to provide depth and bolster the Cardinals’ special teams unit.
Deguara’s career in the NFL has been highlighted by his versatility, serving not only as a tight end but also as a key special teams contributor. In his 65 regular-season games across five seasons, he has accumulated 50 receptions on 61 targets for 450 yards and two touchdowns. While these numbers may not be eye-popping, they reflect his consistency and reliability in key moments for his teams.
One of Deguara’s notable performances came with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2024 season, where he appeared in 15 games. In those games, he caught all three of his targets for 14 yards. While his offensive numbers may have been modest, Deguara made a significant impact on special teams, playing a career-high 62 percent of snaps in that area. Over his career, he has logged 939 offensive snaps and 802 special teams snaps.
The Cardinals’ tight end room is already stacked with talent, and Deguara will be joining a unit led by 2024 Pro Bowl selection Trey McBride. McBride has quickly emerged as one of the standout players in the Cardinals’ offense, and his leadership in the tight end room will be crucial as Deguara looks to make his mark in Arizona.
In addition to McBride, the Cardinals’ tight end group also includes veterans Travis Vokolek and Elijah Higgins, both of whom bring additional experience to the unit. Vokolek has been a dependable presence, while Higgins has demonstrated potential in his previous roles. The addition of Deguara now adds another experienced veteran who can be relied upon in a variety of situations.
Rookie Oscar Cardenas, who was signed after the 2024 NFL Draft, also adds competition for playing time in the tight end room. Cardenas is a promising prospect, and the Cardinals’ decision to sign Deguara reflects their intention to create a balanced and deep tight end group with a mix of experience and youth.
Deguara’s signing comes after a solid but unspectacular stint with the Green Bay Packers, where he was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Although Deguara was not a dominant force as a receiver, his value as a special teams player was undeniable. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game has made him a valuable asset to whichever team he plays for.
One of the most significant aspects of Deguara’s game is his commitment to the special teams unit. While tight ends are often expected to be key contributors to the passing game, Deguara has carved out a niche for himself on special teams. The ability to play a significant role in that area will undoubtedly be a factor in his role with the Cardinals, as special teams play remains a crucial aspect of team success.
In addition to his special teams duties, Deguara has shown flashes of his potential as a receiving threat. While his numbers have not been outstanding in this regard, his steady presence and reliability when called upon are notable. The Cardinals’ offensive scheme will allow him to be a more integral part of the offense, especially in short-yardage or goal-line situations.
The timing of Deguara’s signing signals the Cardinals’ continued commitment to improving their roster and addressing any potential gaps. By bringing in a veteran with proven experience, the team is making a statement that they are not taking any chances in their preparation for the 2024 season.
Looking ahead to the new season, the Cardinals will look to build upon the momentum gained from their offseason moves. Deguara’s presence in the tight end room, along with his contributions on special teams, will be an important factor in the team’s success. The mixture of veteran leadership and youthful energy in the tight end room gives the Cardinals a balanced approach that will serve them well throughout the season.
With the addition of Deguara, the Arizona Cardinals’ roster is now in an even better position to contend for a strong showing in the 2024 NFL season. The versatility and depth he provides will be critical as the team looks to make an impact in the NFC West. As training camp approaches, the tight end battle in Arizona is shaping up to be one of the most competitive position groups to watch.