Dream Free Agent Signings for Arizona Cardinals
ARIZONA -- We all like to dream, and at this time of year Arizona Cardinals fans do like to dream of who they could add in free agency. Typically fans up may be a little disappointed - but dreaming is still free.
Here are some additions that could or maybe even should excite fans of the Cardinals next week and beyond:
Defensive Line
- Chris Jones
- Christian Wilkins
Analysis: the Cardinals absolutely need a game-changing force up front to make a difference. If given the choice I'd prefer the younger Wilkins, though we all saw how impactful Jones was in the Super Bowl.
However, Wilkins is a good locker room guy per all accounts as well as a team captain. He would be an amazing addition should Arizona be able to lock him up, as he is in his prime and is at worst a top-20 defensive tackle in the league.
While Leonard Williams or DJ Reader would be good consolation prizes, Wilkins in particular should make Cardinals fans (and their front office) happy, though he will not come cheap:
Cornerback
- Ronald Darby
- Kendall Fuller
- Jeff Okudah
Analysis: The Cardinals without a doubt need a starting caliber cornerback, even if they see improvement from Garrett Williams, Starling Thomas and/or Kei'Trel Clark and draft a corner high. Any of these three would fit that bill.
Kendall Fuller would be the most versatile, Okudah would have the most upside (also boom or bust) and Darby - well he might be the most solid of the three surprisingly:
Yes players like Tre'Davious White and Xavien Howard are bigger names, but they come with some big injury concerns. Fuller and Darby do not and Okudah is younger than White and Howard.
Offensive Line
- Mike Onwenu
- Jonah Jackson
- Robert Hunt
Analysis: One of these three to plug in at LG would be amazing. Mike Onwenu is probably deemed the best but it depends on how Arizona views them. He has the most versatility and could even play tackle so he will likely be coveted among the eight or so teams that have more cap space but dreaming is free!
After that Jonah Jackson and Robert Hunt both seem natural plug and play starters at LG. Any of them would be an upgrade next to what could be a rookie left tackle.
EDGE/DL
- Dorance Armstrong
- Mike Danna
- AJ Epenesa
- Jonathan Greenard
Analysis: Yes we all understand that Zaven Collins needs more time and Arizona does like him...but it would still be nice to add an established pass rusher to the mix.
Of the first three in this list, Dorance Armstrong is the most intriguing as he has done so well in limited snaps with the Cowboys.
Any of them would add firepower and immediately improve the Cardinals pass rush that really struggled late in the year. Of the three, Jonathan Greenard had the best stats though he was a bit of a one year breakout. If the Cardinals could get a deal similar to what the Eagles got with Haason Reddick, he would be a dream target.
Mike Danna started to come into his own at the end of 2023 and if Kansas City doesn't re-sign him, Arizona should look. Epenesa is a bigger edge that would counter the smaller edges Arizona has in house in Dennis Gardeck and BJ Ojulari. Either, again, would improve the pass rush instantly and take the pressure off finding an edge early in a so-so draft class.
