PFF Says Pass Rush is Cardinals' Biggest Need Heading Into 2023 Offseason
The Arizona Cardinals certainly have some shoes to fill heading into the 2023 offseason.
Crucial players such as Byron Murphy Jr. and Zach Allen headline a class of 30+ Cardinals free agents ready to test the market.
The No. 3 overall pick should help fill one of the needs after free agency as well, yet free agency will set the tempo for what the Cardinals do/don't need to accomplish in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In PFF's latest article going through team needs for the upcoming offseason, Arizona's top priority is clear:
PFF Says Pass Rush is Cardinals' Biggest Need
"J.J. Watt led the Cardinals in pressures (56) and pass-rushing snaps (523) in 2022, and he has now retired. And while Arizona has drafted pass-rushers recently, nobody has really stepped up to lead the line the way the team needs," said Sam Monson.
"Markus Golden remains a steady presence and capable complementary piece, but this defense desperately needs an impact playmaker up front to help hide some of the deficiencies elsewhere."
The loss of Watt to retirement is notable, yet the Cardinals saw Allen come on strong this season - just in time to heat up and secure a solid payday, whether that be in Arizona or elsewhere.
Either top defensive prospect in Will Anderson or Jalen Carter are probable to be available for Arizona in the very early stages of the draft, and perhaps their additions will be needed even potentially inking Allen or others during free agency.
Arizona reached the quarterback just 36 teams as a team last season, and Watt was responsible for 12.5 of those. Part of that may also be due to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's willingness to pressure quarterbacks, as only the New York Giants held a higher blitz percentage last season.
Time will tell what direction the Cardinals decide to go, but there's no doubting Arizona needs to improve on their ability to bring down opposing passers.
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