Solidifying the line and
establishing a respectable
defense could have this team
playoff bound in a weak NFC.
Offensive Line: The
Cardinals who have been completely
inept running the ball, went out and
got themselves a legitimate NFL
running back in Edgerrin James.
Now, hopefully they know that he
needs some help as no one can run
through a wall. Leonard Davis will
be a free agent who isn't
expected to return and Oliver
Ross has been terrible. It seems
we repeat this every year, but
some things never change. The
contracts of centers Nick Leckey
and Alex Stepanovich expire this
offseason, but Arizona has
enough cap space to bring at
least one, if not both back.
Interestingly since Matt Lienart
is left handed, left tackle
isn't the all important position
that it would be if he was right
handed but they still need an
upgrade. Deuce Lutui filled a
need in last year's draft, but
they still need someone to fill
the other spotDefensive End:
Bertrand Berry went down for the
second consecutive year with a
torn muscle, this time his
triceps, ending his season and
the rest of the ends are decent
players, but there is no one to
strike fear in opposing
offenses. They can use a speed
rusher for obvious passing
situations and there should be
several speed rush specialists
available in Free Agency.
Linebacker:
Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes
are building blocks at the
position, but they need some
impact play. This year’s free
agent crop at outside linebacker
will be the best in recent
years, and if the Bidwills
continue to spend money, should
have a great chance to land one
of the premier backers
available.
Gerald Hayes will hold down the
middle linebacker spot for
seasons to come after signing a
long extension, and while Karlos
Dansby continues to develop at
an outside linebacker position,
the weak-side can use a talent
upgrade. Orlando Huff is
seriously starting in the NFL?
Secondary: Robert
Griffith is 36, and has a total
of five interceptions in his
last three years. Arizona needs
to find a long term running
partner to pair with SS Adrian
Wilson. Teams have been able to
throw at will on the Cardinals.
They rank 30th in passing
defense. In fact, the Cardinals
could use depth at both safety
positions and also at
cornerback. Antrel Rolle isn't
going anywhere for awhile but
the opposite spot could be
upgraded as could free safety.
Cornerback: Arizona
may find itself using multiple
picks in the draft to upgrade
the secondary, which ranks 30th
against the pass. They really
have nothing at the position
that cant be improved upon.
Notes: Arizona has two
goals this year. The Cardinals
doled out huge contracts to
first-round pick and franchise
quarterback Matt Leinart, as
well as to free-agent
acquisition running back
Edgerrin James. The offensive
line needs to improve to help
these players. Second, the
defense, as Arizona ranks 30th
in the league in total defense.
The Cardinals have their
franchise quarterback and
running back, along with a brand
new stadium, and enough cap room
to make a splash this offseason.
Arizona Cardinals Free Agency
Notes: The
Cardinals as usual have needs
just about everywhere except QB
and WR. New coach Ken Whisenhunt
was unimpressed with Leonard
Davis, but the Cardinals might
re-sign him if no one offers big
contract he desires. Regardless,
the Cardinals will go after
offensive linemen to protect
their franchise QB and star RB.
CB also was a weakness, with
Tate and Macklin unlikely to be
re-signed. The team needs LBs
and could use a run-stuffing DT.
There's also a need at FB and
TE, and for a safety to play
alongside Pro Bowler Adrian
Wilson.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:
T Leonard Davis; RB Marcel
Shipp; LBs Orlando Huff, Monty
Beisel and James Darling; Ss
Robert Griffith, Jack Brewer and
Hanik Milligan; CBs David
Macklin and Robert Tate; WR Troy
Walters; OL Fred Wakefield; DE
Chris Cooper; OL Chris
Liewienski
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:
Cs Nick Leckey and Alex
Stepanovich; QB John Navarre |
