Cardinals Should Target These Free Agent Linebackers
ARIZONA -- Linebacker may be a sore subject for Arizona Cardinals fans after the Steve Keim era, but that doesn't mean Arizona won't add to the position or even improve it - just in a very different way that the previous regime.
Here are some options:
Above average
- Devin White
- Jordyn Brooks
- Patrick Queen
- Lavonte David
- Frankie Luvu
Analysis: To be frank, the only one of this group Arizona is likely to consider is Frankie Luvu. The Panthers have other needs and not much cap room, though Luvu might be more than the Cards want to spend on an inside linebacker.
Older but solid
- Blake Cashman
- Drue Tranquill
- Josey Jewell
- Eric Hendricks
Analysis: Blake Cashman played well for the Texans last year and Houston may want him back with their cap space.
Drue Tranquill just signed a one year deal with KC, and did quite well. Would he want to reunite with former teammate Kyzir White from his Charger days? He would seem to be a good fit opposite White.
Josey Jewell has been in Denver, especially the last two seasons. But at 29 he may be on the tail end of his career.
Eric Hendricks has a connection to Gannon from his Minnesota days, so he could be an option as well.
Other solid additions
- Anthony Walker Jr.
- Sione Takitaki
- Cody Barton
- Nicholas Morrow
- Oren Burks
- Azeez Al-Shaair
- Tyrel Dodson
Analysis: Anthony Walker Jr and Sione Takitaki likely won't be retained by the cash-strapped Browns. Takitaki hasn't ever been a stud for Cleveland but he would likely be a starter for Arizona.
Walker Jr was in Indianapolis when Gannon was there so Gannon would have the ability to inform Ossenfort to target him one would think.
Cody Barton has been very productive in his stints in Seattle and Washington.
Nicholas Morrow played after Gannon left Philadelphia and has bounced around a good bit.
Oren Burks has been the third linebacker for the 49ers and would seem to be a good fit and a good depth add.
Azeez Al-Shaair is likely to be brought back by the cash flush Titans after playing well for them in 2023.
The in-house options
- Kyrs Barnes
- Josh Woods
Analysis: There's a very good chance that both Kyrs Barnes and Josh Woods could be brought back, as they would not be expensive and know Gannon's and Rallis's system. It seemed that Barnes in particular provides good depth and played well when given the opportunity last year.
Prediction: I don't think Arizona prioritizes this position, as they will likely draft a linebacker, but if for some reason they cannot bring back both Barnes and Woods, it would not be shocking to see a depth signing.
