The Arizona Cardinals will look to add a pass rusher to play outside linebacker opposite Chander Jones this offseason. In free agency, that can be costly, as it is a premium position. What makes it even more difficult is some of the better players — Matthew Judon, Bud Dupree and Shaquil Barrett — will be unavailable because they will be franchise tagged.
So who are some realistic, lower-cost pass rushers the Cardinals viably could sign?
Markus Golden
Many would argue Golden never should have left, when the Cardinals chose to let him go and sign Terrell Suggs, who did not work out. Now Golden appears set to hit free agency again and cash in. His expected market value is $13.5 million per year. He had 10 sacks last season for the Giants. He will be expensive but still less than what Jones’ makes.
Kamalei Correa
Correa played the last two seasons for the Tennessee Titans. He had 8.5 sacks the last two seasons, including five last year. He was the Titans’ third outside linebacker but has started nine games the last two years.
He won’t command big money and is a good fit, especially if the Cardinals keep Haason Reddick on the roster.
Kyle Van Noy
Van Noy was solid for the New England Patriots the last three seasons. he had 16.5 sacks the last three seasons, including 6.5 in 2019. His estimated market value is a little more than $8 million per year, which would be quite reasonable.
Mario Addison
Addison is 32 years ago and has mostly played defensive end in a 4-3 defense but got experience as a 3-4 outside linebacker last season. He has had no fewer than 9.0 sacks in the last three seasons.
How much would he cost? It would be at least $8 million per year.
Kyler Fackrell
Fackrell had one very productive season in four seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He had 10 sacks two seasons ago. He has been a sometimes starter in his career. He has played in a 3-4 defense and would be amenable to coming home. He grew up in Mesa, Arizona and played high school ball there. He would not cost much and would also make a nice complement to Haason Reddick if the Cardinals keep him on the roster.
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Ep. 260
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