We continue with our look at each position group for the Arizona Cardinals this offseason. We now move to an area of focus — inside linebacker.
Let’s look at how the position did in 2019, what the roster looks like and the offseason questions and outlook.
2019 review
Jordan Hicks, one of the biggest free agent additions for 2019, paid off. He played all 16 games and played every single snap on defense. This was significant because it was the first time since 2016 that he played in all 16 games.
He was a league leader in tackles with 150 and was very productive. He had three interceptions, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Haason Reddick began the season as the starter next to Hicks but gradually saw his role reduced. Joe Walker was the base linebacker and Reddick in sub packages. Eventually, Walker completely replaced him and Reddick moved to outside linebacker.
Walker finished with 65 tackles and a forced fumble.
It was very clear the Cardinals need more from the position.
Dennis Gardeck was a standout on special teams, earning a Pro Bowl alternate nod.
The state of the roster
- Keishawn Bierria: signed through 2020
- Dennis Gardeck: signed through 2020
- Jordan Hicks: signed through 2022
- Zeke Turner: signed through 2020
- Joe Walker: unrestricted free agent
Offseason question: Will they splurge again?
Hicks is going to be back. The Cardinals will bring in a new linebacker. The question is how much they will pay.
There are some good names out there — Corey Littleton, Blake Martinez, Joe Schobert and others. Will they dole out another big contract like the one they gave Hicks last year? Will they pay someone more?
Could they target another first-round linebacker in the draft?
With the eighth overall pick, they could draft someone like Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons. But would they be falling into the same trap as previous drafts? In Deone Bucannon and Haason Reddick, twice the Cardinals have used a first-round pick on a college player who played a different position and converted him to linebacker. It wasn’t a long-term answer, which is not how you want a first-round pick to go.
Simmons would be a similar case. He actually has played linebacker in college but was mostly a defensive back. He is incredibly intriguing but he still isn’t a traditional linebacker and that is what defensive coordinator Vance Joseph likes to use.
Outlook
The Cardinals will likely address the position both in free agency and the draft. As for acquiring a starter, I expect that to come in free agency. They could address it in the draft but it probably won’t be with a premium pick.
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Ep. 258
Ep. 257
