Free Agents Cardinals Should Avoid
Arizona Cardinals fans have seen it too many times - poor free agent signings that have come to the desert. Some were aging - Terrell Suggs, Emmitt Smith, etc. Some were just poor signings - Sam Bradford for example.
General manager Monti Ossenfort definitely did not fall into this trap last offseason, being very frugal. Arizona has some more cash to spend this offseason - but don't expect Ossenfort to fall prey to these free agents that could be fool's gold.
Defensive Line
- Frankie Luvu
Analysis: it is clear that Arizona does not need to invest in off the ball LBs under their new regime. Jonathan Gannon and the Cardinals will not avoid the position, but will again try to build through late round draft picks and developing those players. That being said this could change if Arizona would get Luvu at a good price and view him as someone that could play on the edge.
Offensive Line
- Trent Brown
- Tryon Smith
- Mekhi Becton
Analysis: Trent Brown has had reported attitude issues in New England and just would seem to be an odd addition.
The Cardinals already have one aging tackle but Tyron Smith will come at a much higher price than Kelvin Beachum.
Mekhi Becton is extremely injury prone and despite the age and upside would be a very risky addition.
Wide Receiver
- Calvin Ridley
Analysis: Ridley did have a quiet 1,000 yard season for Jacksonville - but Arizona really should try to find it's number one receiver in the draft.
EDGE/DL
- Chase Young
- Grover Stewart
- Denico Autry
- Teair Tart
Analysis: Chase Young seems to have never matched production with the hype sadly. The last four years he has produced only 9 sacks after a great rookie campaign of 7.5 sacks. He will likely be paid for his notoriety alone as a former first-round pick.
Grover Stewart was suspended for 6 games last year and is well over 30 - it seems the draft and free agency provides several other options at defensive tackle that are less risky.
Denico Autry is still doing well in his mid 30s but if Arizona were to sign someone that age it would seem better stylistically (and for locker room rapport) better to sign Calais Campbell as an example (though that's still not a great signing in my opinion).
Teair Tart had reported effort issues despite his on field production and it's doubtful Arizona wants to add to a rebuilding locker room.
Honorable mentions: Calais Campbell, most other off-ball linebackers, Tre'Davious White, Xavien Howard, Javon Kinlaw, Marquise Brown (at a big contract price), any offensive guard that's $16M a year and up.
