Zach Allen Named Cardinals' Biggest Loss in Free Agency
The Arizona Cardinals didn't have a plethora of big names to retain in free agency like other teams, giving fans some hope that either of their top two (CB Byron Murphy and DE Zach Allen) players would return.
However, both dipped for brighter adventures, ensuring the Cardinals' rebuild had another layer added to the beginning stages.
Others have departed the organization as well. Trysten Hill signed with the Cleveland Browns. Michael Dogbe signed a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cody Ford inked a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, too.
Yet when it comes to measuring the biggest loss in free agency, Pro Football Focus says Allen's departure will loom the largest:
Zach Allen Named Cardinals' Biggest Loss in Free Agency
"Amid J.J. Watt‘s retirement to boot, Arizona may have the worst defensive line in the NFL on paper heading into the 2023 campaign. New head coach Jonathan Gannon has his work cut out for him after coordinating a Philadelphia Eagles defense that recorded 70 regular-season sacks in 2022, the third most all time," said Brad Spielberger.
"They didn’t get there by relying on one or two marquee players, either. In fact, they became the first team in NFL history to have four different players record double-digit sacks in a year. Now in Arizona following Allen's departure, Gannon is left with a current top pass rusher who may not rank in the top five on the Eagles roster, and that’s even after interior defender Javon Hargrave signed a massive deal in free agency with the San Francisco 49ers. Fortunately, Arizona has the No. 3 overall pick in the draft and could add a difference-maker on Day 1."
Especially after losing Watt, pressure will be on the Cardinals to find a replacement for both him and Allen along the trenches.
Make no mistake: Losing Murphy hurts just as much, but Allen's loss will be tough to replace, especially if the Cardinals trade down in the draft and aren't able to secure a top edge player.
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