The 2019 NFL preseason is in the books and NFL teams have made cuts to their roster to trim from 90 to 53 men. For some, this is possibly the end of their NFL careers. For others, this could mean the beginning of a fresh start with a new team or a chance to prove their worth through the practice squad.
As they wish to continue to improve their roster, here are five players that the Arizona Cardinals could possibly take a look at that have been cut by their respective teams.
DL Datone Jones
The former 26th overall pick of the Green Bay Packers, Datone Jones has not had the career one would have envisoned from him. While the numbers may not pop off the chart for his position (10.0 sacks in five seasons) his strength comes from situational pass-rushing and creating major pressure on the quarterback. His pressure could be enough to continue to free up space for Chandler Jones and even Terrell Suggs. Datone Jones is best suited as a traditional edge rusher, a position that seems to be a weakness on an otherwise highly talented defense.
CB Kayvon Webster
With Robert Alford projected to be on IR with a significant leg injury, Kayvon Webster could make an intriguing short-term option at cornerback. A five-season veteran and a Super-Bowl winner, Webster was last seen playing some meaningful snaps for the Los Angeles Rams where he tallied 38 tackles and an interception. He has proven that when healthy, he can show up in big-time moments and playing behind a talented defensive system like the Cardinals could do wonders for his career.
LB Brandon Marshall
Quite possibly the top target for the Cardinals, Brandon Marshall has been a highly productive, albeit mostly-injured linebacker. When healthy, he is a sure tackler as he has had at least 100 or more tackles when playing 14 or more games in his career.
The Cardinals have an inside linebacker in Hassan Reddick, but due to the severity of his injury, the hasn’t been a consistent timetable on his return. Brandon Marshall could help fill that gap.
TE Logan Paulsen
While not the most flashy name on his list, Paulsen has proven his worth as a solid blocker and a sneaky receiver at times. If the Cardinals need an extra body in a jumbo-set situation, Logan Paulsen would be someone to take a look at. He is also pretty good at finding his way into the endzone completely unaccounted for because of his reputation as a blocker, but more importantly, the Cardinals offensive line will need all the help it can get.
Return specialist Jaydon Mickens
The kick/punt returner position needs to be addressed in full. While Christian Kirk would make a dynamic returner, Mickens would make a solid return threat as he has had success in his years with Jacksonville(10.0 punt return yard average) while also having a two-TD receiving game. Bringing in Mickens would also allow Kirk to focus on developing as a receiver full-time.
Who else would you like to see the Cardinals go after? Sound off in the comments below! Follow Robert Ricks on Twitter @rrickswriting and on Instagram @rrickswriting.
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