The Arizona Cardinals are expected to be active in free agency next month and plan on adding defensive linemen to a group that underperformed and was hit by injuries. A big name is expected to become a free agent, as the Jacksonville Jaguars are not expected to pick up a contract option.
Big defensive tackle Marcell Dareus is not expected to have his contract option picked up for 2020, which will make him a free agent when the new league year begins.
The report comes originally from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Jaguars have until Tuesday to pick up the option.
It is no surprise. Dareus, who will turn 30 years old in a few days, was due a $10 million roster bonus was due to make $9.5 million in salary. The move saves the Jags nearly $20 million against the salary cap.
Dareus is a former Pro Bowler and All-Pro but only played in six games in 2019 before suffering a severe core injury that landed him on injured reserve. He had only 13 tackles and half a sack in 2019.
He has had as many as 10 sacks in a season and is known as a good run defender but his age and recent injuries will likely scare some teams away.
If he is now healthy, he could become a target for the Cardinals, who could be intrigued with his high ceiling of production and leadership. He probably will not command a big contract, but because the Cardinals suffered so many injuries on the defensive line a season ago, they might want to stay away.
Either way, the move does simply add another talented interior defender to the market, which should help the Cardinals upgrade that part of the defense.
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