The Arizona Cardinals continue to reshape their roster during the offseason, making strategic additions to bolster their offensive unit ahead of the 2025 NFL season. In their latest move, the team has signed former Green Bay Packers tight end Josiah Deguara, a decision that signals both a need for depth and a desire to inject versatility into their offensive schemes. This signing reflects Arizona’s proactive approach in assembling a balanced and dynamic squad, particularly as the NFC West remains one of the most competitive divisions in the league.
Josiah Deguara, a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, spent the first four seasons of his career with the Packers. Known for his toughness, blocking ability, and adaptability within a system, Deguara brings a unique skill set to Arizona. During his time in Green Bay, he developed into a reliable utility player, functioning not only as a tight end but also lining up in fullback roles and as a special teams contributor. While he was not a headline-grabbing pass catcher in the Packers’ system, his work ethic and understanding of complex offensive schemes earned him respect from coaches and teammates alike.
The Cardinals’ decision to add Deguara comes after a season in which their offense struggled with consistency, particularly when it came to tight end production beyond their starter, Trey McBride. Though McBride has emerged as a young star, the Cardinals lacked depth behind him, and the offense occasionally sputtered in two-tight end sets or when asked to compensate for injuries. With Deguara in the mix, Arizona not only gains a viable backup to McBride but also someone who can contribute immediately in multiple ways.
One of the key aspects of Deguara’s game is his ability to block, both in-line and in motion. This makes him a valuable piece in an offense that plans to run the ball more under head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. As the Cardinals aim to establish a more balanced offensive identity, especially to support quarterback Kyler Murray’s skill set, having tight ends who can hold up in the run game is essential. Deguara’s past experience in the Packers’ outside zone scheme, which mirrors some of the principles Petzing employs, should allow for a smoother transition into Arizona’s playbook.
From a locker room and culture standpoint, Deguara also fits the mold of what Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort have tried to build since taking over. Character, team-first mentality, and a willingness to do the dirty work have all been emphasized during this rebuild. Deguara’s tenure in Green Bay showcased those traits regularly. He was known for his professionalism, effort on special teams, and willingness to contribute in any way the team needed. Such qualities are especially important for a team like Arizona, which is still developing a young core and needs veteran voices who lead by example.
While Deguara’s statistical output in Green Bay may not raise eyebrows — just 47 catches for 436 yards and 2 touchdowns across four seasons — his impact cannot be measured by numbers alone. He often filled the role of a traditional H-back, helping open lanes for running backs and providing protection in play-action sets. These are the types of hidden contributions that often go unnoticed by fans but are highly valued by coaching staffs. In Arizona, where the offensive line and blocking units are still evolving, having a player who understands leverage, angles, and assignment football can be the difference between a successful drive and a stalled possession.
Deguara’s signing may also hint at how the Cardinals plan to diversify their personnel packages. With him on board, Arizona can more easily shift into 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends), giving defenses a different look and allowing the offense to exploit mismatches. This can be especially effective in red zone situations or when managing clock late in games. The Cardinals had moments last season where their offense became too predictable — bringing in someone like Deguara helps create flexibility and misdirection opportunities, even if he’s not the primary target on a given play.
Another important aspect of this signing is its potential impact on special teams. Deguara has played extensively in that phase of the game, from kickoff return units to punt protection. The Cardinals have had their share of struggles on special teams, and adding a reliable, experienced contributor could help tighten up those areas. It’s often said that the bottom half of a roster is what determines the outcome of close games, and players like Deguara embody that sentiment. His ability to contribute across all three phases of the game makes him an efficient use of a roster spot.
From Deguara’s perspective, the move to Arizona presents a fresh opportunity. While he saw the field consistently in Green Bay, his role was never fully established in the passing game. Now, with the Cardinals in a transition phase and looking to elevate their offensive identity, he may find more chances to contribute as a receiver. McBride will still be the go-to option at tight end, but there’s room in this offense for a player like Deguara to carve out a niche — especially if he can become a trusted target for Murray on short-yardage and play-action passes.
Health has been another critical factor in Deguara’s journey. Early in his rookie year, he suffered a torn ACL that limited his ability to contribute. However, he bounced back and remained durable over the next three seasons, which speaks to his commitment to rehab and maintaining physical readiness. The Cardinals are no strangers to injury concerns — particularly at skill positions — so having a durable, consistent contributor like Deguara provides insurance and stability.
Financially, the deal is expected to be low-risk and team-friendly, typical for a player looking to establish himself in a new setting. This aligns with the Cardinals’ current cap strategy, which prioritizes flexibility while building for sustained success rather than quick fixes. Adding Deguara on a modest contract gives the team flexibility to address other areas of need while ensuring they have solid, experienced depth in the tight end room.
For fans looking to understand what this means in the bigger picture, this move is about more than just stats or splash. It’s about constructing a roster with layers — layers that allow for adaptability when injuries hit, layers that offer multiple looks to opposing defenses, and layers that contribute to the locker room dynamic. While Josiah Deguara may not be the kind of addition that dominates headlines, he represents exactly the type of player that successful franchises find ways to incorporate and maximize.
As the Cardinals gear up for what promises to be a pivotal year in their development, additions like Deguara signal that the front office is focused on both the present and the future. They’re building a team that isn’t just about star power but also about the connective tissue — the role players who allow stars to shine. Deguara fits that mold. Whether it’s spring workouts, preseason games, or critical late-season matchups, expect him to be involved in multiple aspects of the team’s efforts.
Ultimately, the NFL is a league of opportunity, and for both Josiah Deguara and the Arizona Cardinals, this partnership offers a chance to redefine roles, reshape narratives, and reestablish winning habits. If Deguara can deliver consistent performances and provide the kind of support this young roster needs, his impact will be felt far beyond the box score. And in a league where every inch matters, players like him often prove to be the difference-makers.
