The Arizona Cardinals made a pair of changes to the roster this week. They added receiver Michael Crabtree and traded for defensive lineman Bruce Hector.
However, this does not mean they are done. General manager Steve Keim and company will likely churn the back end of the roster, as well as adding key depth or even possible starters at potentially several positions. Cornerback, linebacker, defensive line and offensive line come to mind for many fans.
Who could they add in the coming two weeks before the season? As mentioned on the most recent podcast, Arizona could add as many as five or six players off the waiver wire.
With that in mind, here are 10 players to keep an eye on, whether they are cut or possibly traded for, like Hector was, or signed off the street:
OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Eagles
Vaitai has become somewhat of a popular commodity. If you google his name, many want their offensive-line needy teams to trade for him. Vaitai would provide much needed depth, and potentially take over when the inevitable occurs and either Gilbert or Humphries were to be injured.
The Eagles already have intriguing depth at the position, making Vaitai a candidate to be traded or cut.
OT Chukwuma Okorafor, Steelers
Okorafor has struggled in the preseason, but he is athletic and According to the Behind the Steel Curtain report, neither of the Steelers tackles has played exceptionally well. Zach Banner is much bigger and less athletic, so given that Arizona would likely covet athletic tackles, Okorafor might be an intriguing fit.
C/G Stefen Wisniewski, Eagles
If the Eagles do keep Vaitai, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them cut Wisniewski, who would be a great get for Arizona for his versatility. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia, he hasn’t look great in the preseason.
Yes, they already have two centers, but the nine-year veteran Wisniewski would add credible depth at both guard and center. Wisniewski, though, would not be subject to waivers.
OT Cameron Erving, Chiefs
According to the Arrowhead Pride, Irving hasn’t looked great in the preseason thus far. But again, Arizona is looking for quality depth at this point.
Irving has been around and would likely be familiar to some of the concepts in Arizona being in Kansas City’s current offense. Arizona traded a late day three pick for Marcus Cooper just a few years ago that proved to help the Cards. Perhaps something could be worked out here as well.
CB Orlando Scandrick, Eagles
Following up on that same above report, the twelve-year veteran Scandrick might be the odd man out in Philadelphia. He’s not a number one starting-caliber corner anymore, but it’s highly unlikely Arizona will find anyone of that caliber at this point, and Scandrick may have the tools to be a satisfactory number two and solid depth when Patrick Peterson and Robert Alford return.
CB Tony Lippett, Bengals
Another gem from the aforementioned podcast, Lippett was one of the starting corners in the past for DC Vance Joseph in Miami. He has bounced around the last couple of years, but is buried on the depth chart in Cincinnati. Could a reunion help his game improve?
DT DeShawn Williams, Broncos
Williams is sitting at the back end of the Denver defense, but at least he would know Joseph’s scheme and could provide true nose tackle depth, something that Arizona does not have.
DT Deadrin Senat, Falcons
Much like the recently acquired Hector, Senat plied his trade at South Florida, and would likely be a young guy they could develop if they can get him on waivers. At 6 foot and 314 pounds, he could play more on run downs to give some of the starters a breather possibly.
LB Tegray Scales, Steelers
Scales was a bit of a sleeper coming out a couple years ago from Indiana, though he has not latched on with a team, spending time with three thus far. His speed could add good depth to the room, however.
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, Bears
Some fans may recognize the name, as he did play some for Seattle in the past. He’s good on special teams, and is currently playing in a 3-4 in Chicago, so he would seem to be a better fit than many of the current options for the Cards.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
