Pass Rush is Cardinals' Biggest Red Flag After Free Agency

The Arizona Cardinals have a handful of needs to address as we inch closer towards the 2023 NFL Draft, but none appear to be greater than the need to add a valuable pass rusher to the defense.

The Cardinals lost J.J. Watt to retirement before seeing Zach Allen depart in free agency. With their absence, Arizona loses exactly half (18) of their 36 team sacks from last season. Markus Golden was also released from the team, though he was largely stagnant last year.

Regardless, the Cardinals are missing major help to reach the quarterback, and that's their biggest red flag heading into the draft according to Bleacher Report.

"J.J. Watt retired after recording 12.5 sacks in 2022. Zach Allen bolted for the Broncos, and the Cards released Markus Golden in a cap-saving move. What had been a considerable strength in Arizona has rapidly become an area of extreme concern," said David Kenyon.

L.J. Collier was added in free agency, but he's never had more than three sacks in a season and has struggled to stay healthy in recent years.

The possibility of adding Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson also exists for the Cardinals with the third overall pick, though sources tell All Cardinals the team will be trading down to gain additional draft ammo. Anderson likely won't be on the board for Arizona unless they trade down one spot with the Indianapolis Colts.

A player such as Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson could also make sense in the second half of the top ten - if the Cardinals land there.

On the roster, second-year players Myjai Sanders and Cameron Thomas could take a major step up for Arizona. Dennis Gardeck and Victor Dimukeje are also options as well.

2023 is undoubtedly going to be a rebuilding year in the desert, so there's no rush to fix every problem immediately. However, building a strong defense to support Kyler Murray and co. on the other side of the ball has to be up there for new coach Jonathan Gannon.

Click Here to Follow All Cardinals on Facebook

Click Here to Subscribe to All Cardinals on YouTube

Arizona Cardinals Top Stories

Is Will Anderson to Cardinals a Perfect Match?

NFL Draft Isn't Will Anderson or Bust for Cardinals

Cardinals Have Made Improvements After Shocking NFLPA Report

Is Jalen Carter off Cardinals' Draft Board?

Three Trade Packages for DeAndre Hopkins

Did Cardinals Drop Jalen Carter From Their NFL Draft Board?

Evaluating Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2023 Draft

Cornerback Rashad Fenton Signs With Cardinals