In 2015, the Arizona Cardinals’ offense broke several team records en route to a 13-3 regular season, yet one position—tight end—failed to join the party. Free agent Zach Miller could help change that.

There’s no doubt that the Arizona Cardinals had a high-powered offense in 2015. Quarterback Carson Palmer had a career year and finished in the top-three of MVP voting; wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald turned back the clock and finished with 109 receptions, most in his career; and rookie running back David Johnson, when pressed into action mid-season, blossomed into a star.

Seemingly missing in all of the fun, though, was the tight end position. The Cardinals’ tight ends last season combined for just 567 yards, a relatively low total considering thirteen NFL tight ends had more yards than that individually!

Tight ends add a different dimension to offenses that most wide receivers and running backs just can’t replicate. Their big-frames are friendly targets for quarterbacks in the red zone or on third down, and can be nightmares for linebackers and safeties to cover up the seams. Not only that, but tight ends can also take a defense’s attention away from slot receivers (á la Fitzgerald and John Brown).

Arizona is clearly lacking this dimension on offense, yet that could change if they decide to sign Chicago Bears’ tight end Zach Miller in free agency.

Miller, who turns 32 next season, has battled through injuries during his entire career. Before last season, Miller was limited to just 33 games over the course of his first six NFL seasons. When he caught his first pass of 2015 on September 20th (coincidentally, against the Cardinals), it came an incredible four years after his last reception in the NFL (2011 with Jacksonville).

Surprisingly, Miller was able to play in all but one game last season, posting career highs in receptions (34), yards (439), and touchdowns (5). Miller started last season as a backup to Martellus Bennett, but when Bennett was forced to miss time due to injury, Miller grabbed the opportunity by the horns and never looked back.

In front of a national TV audience on Monday Night Football in Week 9, Miller shined. He caught only 2 passes, but one was an incredible 25-yard, one-handed touchdown that sent commentators Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden into a tizzy.

A week later, Miller went on to star in a Chicago victory over the (former) St. Louis Rams, hauling in 5 passes for 107 yards and 2 touchdowns. In Weeks 14-16, Miller averaged 6 receptions and 70.3 yards per game (he missed Week 17 with a minor toe injury).

Now a free agent, Miller reportedly is asking for a yearly salary of $5 million, a relatively steep-price for an oft-injured journeymen tight end. That asking price figures to come down, and if (or when) it does, Arizona should pounce.

Miller would finally solve the Cardinals’ tight end conundrum, a position that really hasn’t been solved since Freddie Jones was roaming the field 12 years ago. Miller is an excellent athlete, possessing good size and speed. While seen more as a pass catcher than a blocker, Miller showed last season that he can hold his own against defensive linemen and linebackers. He also is regarded as being a terrific leader and locker room voice.

Chicago remains very-high on Miller and would like to bring him back. However, if he did return to Chicago, he would still most likely be a backup to Martellus Bennett. In Arizona, though, he would be in line for a starting job, something that might make Miller consider the Cardinals’ offer even if it means signing for a little less money.

While Zach Miller’s injury history makes any long-term deal risky, it might just be a risk that the Cardinals need to take.

Stay tuned….