Playoff Players Cardinals Should be Watching
The Arizona Cardinals may not have the most cap space in the league heading into 2024, but they can make several signings this offseason either to fill holes or create depth.
In efforts to bolster the roster, the Cardinals will likely be watching film from the regular season on potential free-agent targets, though starting this weekend the playoffs will give the team an opportunity to evaluate players in postseason form.
Below is a list of several targets, divided by team, that Arizona may be interested in come March.
(Note: Cap figures are from overthecap.com, depth chart status per ourlads.com - also note that the less cap space a team has, the less likely they will be able to re-sign the below players (unless you're New Orleans...)
Baltimore Ravens - (Cap Space: $18 million)
#92 Justin Madubuike, DT, Starter
Madubuike made himself a lot of money this season - if Arizona can afford him he would bring star power to their defensive line.
#2 Tyler Huntley, QB, Backup
Unfortunately, Clayton Tune did not prove much in his start vs Cleveland to make the Cardinals feel comfortable with him as the backup in 2024.
Buffalo Bills - (Cap Space: $43 million)
#57 AJ Epenesa, DE, Backup
Epenesa is listed as a backup, but would be a solid get for Arizona as he finished with 6.5 sacks in only one start with the Bills. He's young (25) and at 6'6", 260 lbs would fit a similar role to Zaven Collins.
Cleveland Browns - (Cap Space: -$12 million)
#96 Jordan Elliott, DT, Starter
Elliott would provide pressure from the interior consistently - something that Arizona has not had this past season.
#64 Geron Christian, LT, Starter
Christian has played a role after bouncing around for a few teams - they could do worse than signing him as another backup swing tackle.
#88 Harrison Bryant, TE, Backup
As often as Arizona gets in two and three tight end sets, Bryant, who would know the system that Drew Petzing runs, would make sense to pursue depending on the price tag.
Dallas Cowboys - (Cap Space: -$16 million)
#92 Dorance Armstrong, DE, Backup
As another part time player, Armstrong picked up 8.5 and 7.5 sacks the past 2 seasons. At just 26, he might want to compete to be a starter in the desert.
#96 Neville Gallimore, DT, Backup
Gallimore seems to have fallen out of favor in Dallas, but was a former second round pick - he too could use a fresh start in Arizona.
#63 Tyler Biadasz, C, Starter
Biadasz, the Cowboys' starter for a few years now, may not be able to be brought back. Despite Froholdt's year, Arizona should be interested.
Detroit Lions - (Cap Space: $59 million)
#95 Romeo Okwara, EDGE, Backup
Okwara may look to find a team he could start on - he's not far removed from a 10 sack season in 2020.
#8 Josh Reynolds, WR, Starter
Reynolds has spent all but one season with Jared Goff and may want to play with Kyler Murray, perhaps? At 6-3 and with 40 catches this past season, Reynolds may be seeking a bigger role.
#13 Craig Reynolds, RB, Backup
Depending on how Dave Sears views him, Reynolds could fit as a RB 3/4 for the Cards.
#73 Jonah Jackson, G, Starter
If Jackson isn't retained by Detroit, he may be an upgrade at LG.
#23 Jerry Jacobs, CB, Backup
Jacobs may bring some experience to Arizona's CB room.
#19 Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Backup
Similar to Reynolds, but with one caveat - he played for a few years in Cleveland's system - so he too would be familiar with Petzing's system.
Houston Texans - (Cap Space: $71 million)
#52 Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Starter
Greenard will likely be brought back by the Texans - but he may have played himself into a bigger contract with 12.5 sacks in 2023.
#74 Josh Jones, T, Backup
Wouldn't this be ironic?
#85 Noah Brown, WR, Starter
Brown likely will never usurp Nico Collins or Tank Dell - so if Arizona can offer him more targets, he may be interested.
Kansas City Chiefs - (Cap Space: $35 million)
#95 Chris Jones, DT, Starter
I think it goes without saying that if Jones becomes available - Arizona should be interested.
#91 Derrick Nnadi, DT, Starter
Nnadi is the "other" defensive tackle but his experience and youth should intrigue Arizona.
#35 L'Jarius Sneed, CB, Starter
Much like Jones if Sneed isn't tagged or signed by KC - he should be a target.
Los Angeles Rams - (Cap Space: $44 million)
#69 Kevin Dotson, G, Starter
The Rams are relatively young and will likely retain Dotson - but he would also be an upgrade at LG.
Miami Dolphins - (Cap Space: -$40 million)
#94 Christian Wilkins, DT, Starter
Wilkins would also be a huge get at defensive tackle.
#98 Raekwon Davis, NT, Starter
Davis might be an upgrade should Arizona not bring back Leki Fotu.
#68 Robert Hunt, G, Starter
Another possible upgrade at LG.
Pittsburgh Steelers - (Cap Space: -$7 million)
#29 Levi Wallace, CB, Starter
Wallace would add experience to the room that Arizona needs.
Philadelphia Eagles - (Cap Space: $29 million)
#16 Quez Watkins, WR, Backup
If Gannon had a good relationship with Watkins, it may be a good depth signing for Arizona.
San Francisco 49ers - (Cap Space: $1 million)
#15 Jauan Jennings, WR, Backup
Jennings is a great run-blocker and may want more of a chance to be a receiver - he's done well when given the opportunity.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - (Cap Space: $47 million)
#96 Greg Gaines, NT, Backup
Would be a good quality depth piece for Arizona's defensive line.
