With free agency around the corner, let’s go take a look at a huge position of need for Arizona – the defensive line. And there are quite a few good fits in what appears to be a somewhat deep group of free agents:
Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
It’s obvious what Jones would possibly mean to Arizona, but it goes without saying he would be a great fit as a 3-4 DE and would add instant star power to the Cards defensive line.
Arik Armstead, San Francisco 49ers
Arguably one of the bigger names that will likely hit the market is Armstead. The caution is wondering if his spike in production is due to the surrounding talent this year (namely Nick Bosa) or if he is on an upward swing. The other issue could be his transition from a 4-3, although that is not the issue it once was.
Javon Hargrave, Pittsburgh Steelers
Arguably after Jones the best fit, coming from a 3-4 defense in Pittsburgh, Hargrave went under the radar but was a big part of the Steelers solid defense down the stretch. They likely don’t have cap room, as of right now, to re-sign him, so Arizona would be wise to jump on him.
Shelby Harris, Denver Broncos
Harris is one of the more obvious players to fit, as he played under Vance Joseph in Denver, Harris would give the Cardinals another credible defensive lineman to fortify their line alongside Chandler Jones and Corey Peters.
Derek Wolfe, Denver Broncos
Another easy fit into Arizona’s 3-4 scheme, Wolfe would likely not cost much as we broke down here, he had possibly his best year in Denver last season with 7 sacks. Harris and Wolfe would likely be at the top of Arizona’s free agency board and could play right away. With Wolfe and Harris a lot will depend on how Denver chooses to spend their more than $60 million (as of right now) in cap space.
Michael Pierce, Baltimore Ravens
Pierce will likely be a somewhat hot commodity for teams looking for a true nose tackle, which is the role he played in Baltimore. He would allow Corey Peters to possibly move to defensive end, and would really improve the run defense for Arizona. It seems like perhaps Baltimore would like to keep him, but they do also let many of their free agents walk due to drafting and developing talent very well.
Michael Brockers, Los Angeles Rams
One of a few salary cap casualties for the Rams due to the money they have invested elsewhere, Brockers may not move the needle as much as others, but would be a solid starter for Arizona and would know the scheme very well, having come from playing in Wade Phillips 3-4 scheme in L.A.
Others
D.J. Reader of the Houston Texans is an interesting fit, although the Cardinals seem to operate fine enough without a true nose tackle, so his type may not be prioritized. Yannick Ngokue and Jadaveon Clowney seem out of their price range, and seem far too costly as well as not being great fits.
Jordan Phillips got low PFF grades, and given Arizona’s somewhat new analytics leanings, it would be surprising to see them look his direction. Also worth mentioning is Arizona’s own free agents, Jonathan Bullard and Zach Kerr, both of whom they may look at bringing back.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep. 257
Ep. 256
