Arizona Cardinals: Free Agency to Test Team’s Depth
By David Mamola
In 2015, the Arizona Cardinals’ team depth was a big reason why they won the NFC West and came within a game of playing in the Super Bowl. Some of that depth, however, may be lost when free agency starts on March 9th.
As the offseason approaches, the Arizona Cardinals will have to make tough decisions regarding their own free agents. Twenty-five Cardinals have their contracts expiring, and while it’s impossible to resign them all, Arizona would love to lock-up some of their own talent before going after another team’s.
While all of their “big-guns” are still under control, this offseason is going to be stressful on Arizona’s depth. Their depth is a big reason why Arizona had so much success this season, but they’re bound to lose some of it when free agency opens up on March 9th.
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A big area of concern this offseason for the Cardinals is their offensive line. Guard Ted Larsen, center Lyle Sendlein, and tackle Bobby Massie are all free agents. While none of them are Pro Bowl players, they all contributed to Arizona’s offensive’s success. Quarterback Carson Palmer rarely faced pressure in the regular season, and Larsen, Sendlein, and Massie are big reasons why.
While 2013 first round pick Jonathan Cooper appears to be ready to start at guard next season, that same sentiment was felt last year before Larsen took his spot. Keeping all three free agents seems unrealistic, but with money to spend, it would behoove Arizona to try to keep at least two of them.
Another spot to keep an eye on is in the secondary. Do-it-all defensive back Tyrann Mathieu tore his ACL on December 20th, but he seems to be in line for a contract extension and raise (which is well-deserved). His new contract (assuming he gets one; he’s still under contract for one more season) figures to make him one of the highest paid defensive backs in the league, leaving some to wonder if the Cardinals will have enough money left to keep other free agent secondary members.
Cornerback Jerraud Powers, free safety Rashad Johnson, and strong safety Tony Jefferson all have expiring contracts, and much like the offensive linemen, all contribute to the team’s depth. Arizona will sometimes play up to six defensive backs on the field at once, and possibly losing three key members of the defense’s back-end will surely limit defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s creativity.
In addition to losing some offensive line and secondary depth, the Cardinals are also facing their backup quarterback Drew Stanton perhaps walking out the door. The Cardinals don’t want to see Stanton play (because that would mean starter Carson Palmer is hurt), but if he does have to, there are a lot worse options than him.
Two aging, yet productive, veterans could also be leaving. Pass rusher Dwight Freeney, who led Arizona in sacks this season, made less than $1 million this past year, and while he could give the Cardinals a hometown discount, his salary figures to grow substantially.
Running back Chris Johnson also is a free agent. Johnson was leading the team in rushing before he got hurt, and while rookie David Johnson figures to be the starter next year, it wouldn’t hurt to have the veteran back for another season as an insurance policy.
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Other notable free agents include linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, tight end Jermaine Gresham, wide receiver Jaron Brown, and punter Drew Butler.
While some of these players could return, there’s no doubt that the 2016 Arizona Cardinals will look a little different than the 2015 version. It should be a fun (and interesting) next couple of months!