The divisional round of the playoffs begin Saturday afternoon with the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Minnesota Vikings. Arizona Cardinals fans can watch the game simply to see who moves on or to root against the division rival 49ers, but they also can watch to see players who will be free agents this offseason.
Are there any who could be players of interest for the Cardinals?
49ers DE Arik Armstead
Armstead had a breakout season in 2019. He had nine career sacks in three previous seasons. He had 10 in 2019. The Cardinals need help on the defensive line and could target a big-ticket player. Armstead would be such a player and would immediately upgrade the defensive front and give the Cardinals an interior threat to counter Chandler Jones off the edge.
49ers WR Emmanuel Sanders
Sanders has not had a 1,000-yard season since 2016 and he will be 33 years old next season. After the failure of the Michael Crabtree signing last year, one might not want to think a veteran receiver would be a possibility. However, he was still productive after the 49ers acquired him. had 36 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns for the 49ers and finished the season with 66 catches for 869 yards and five scores.
He only dropped two passes last season. He could be a target, especially if Larry Fitzgerald retires because they would have almost no experience on the roster at the position. He would not command top money.
Vikings DE Stephen Weatherly
Weatherly is simply a rotational pass rusher and has had three sacks in each of the last two seasons. He could be a target to fill a role like Brooks Reed initially had before he got hurt or Cassius Marsh.
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