The Arizona Cardinals, with the release of tackle Desmond Harrison, have an available spot on their 90-man roster. General manager Steve Keim is known for his late veteran additions this time of year.
Players he has added in years past are Jermaine Gresham, Chris Johnson, Eric Winston, John Abraham, Tre Boston and Josh Bynes.
Could another such veteran signing be added?
The Cardinals do not have much veteran depth at offensive tackle, outside linebacker or cornerback. Here are three potential free agent additions the Cardinals could make before training camp starts next week.
OLB Nick Perry
The Cardinals have Brooks Reed as the only proven player at outside linebacker beyond starters Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs. The other guys at the position include Vomtarrius Dora, Cameron Malveaux and Pita Taumoepenu. They are nice young players, but Perry has experience in a 3-4 defense and has played seven years in the league — all with the Green Bay Packers. He had 11 sacks three seasons ago. He remains unsigned after playing nine games in 2018 and having only 1.5 sacks.
OT Joe Barksdale
Barksdale was a late addition and started four games for the Cardinals last season after he was cut by the Los Angeles Chargers. He was not re-signed after the season, but the only experienced tackle on the Arizona roster behind the starters is Rees Odhiambo. Barksdale could come in and compete right away.
LB Kelvin Sheppard
At inside linebacker, the Cardinals don’t have much depth. Their only experience behind the starters is Tanner Vallejo. Sheppard is 31 years old and has played eight seasons. He has mostly played in a 4-3 defense and spent last year with the Detroit Lions, appearing in seven games. He would give the Cardinals some insight on their Week 1 opponent and offer veteran depth at a position that has basically none.
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