What will the Arizona Cardinals do once free agency begins next week? There some predictions out there. The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia matches top free agents with different teams and the Cardinals land three.
Who are their free agent prizes?
EDGE Vic Beasley
Beasley stormed into the league, leading the league with 15.5 sacks in 2016 and six forced fumbles. His production dropped dramatically the next two seasons, picking up only five in 2017 and 2018. He was back up at eight in 2019 but the Atlanta Falcons have decided to move on from him, which is not something that normally happens with top pass rushers.
From Kapadia:
Even with Chandler Jones putting up huge numbers, the Cardinals’ defense ranked 22nd in percentage of pass plays with a sack or QB hit last season. Beasley had eight sacks and 12 QB hits with the Falcons in 2019 and can give Arizona additional pass rush, even if it’s in a rotational role.
When the news originally broke last month that the Falcons would not try to re-sign him, some locally said the Cardinals wouldn’t be interested.
Perhaps they could at the right price. The Cardinals do want to add a pass rusher opposite of Chandler Jones. The problem is finding production at the right price.
RB Kenyan Drake
The Cardinals have made it very clear they want to re-sign him. However, he doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to do so before free agency and he is looking for a large contract. The Cardinals appear to be looking to get him back with a three-year, $15 million offer.
From Kapadia:
He flourished in Arizona after a midseason trade from the Dolphins, producing 643 yards and eight touchdowns in eight games while averaging 5.2 YPC. Arizona finds a way to keep Drake.
The only way he comes back is if he doesn’t get more elsewhere. David Johnson’s contract complicates things.
DL Derek Wolfe
Wolfe has come up frequently this offseason because of his ties with Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. The 30-year-old had his best season in 2019 with seven sacks.
From Kapadia:
Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph knows Wolfe from their time together in Denver. Wolfe finished last season with a career-high seven sacks to go along with 12 QB hits. He can give Arizona some interior pass rush.
The question will be how much he wants. There is some belief he has some visits lined up, perhaps to see what is out there in terms of an offer and to allow the Broncos to match. His durability could be a concern. He has played all 16 games of a season only once in the last five seasons.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
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