Arizona Cardinals Free Agent Preview: Alex Okafor
By Jeremy Meek
Pass rushing linebacker Alex Okafor is one of a number of Arizona Cardinals free agents set to hit the market
Alex Okafor was drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft for his pass rushing upside. He was a defensive end in college, but would move to linebacker in the Arizona Cardinals 3-4 defense. He had 19 1/2 sacks over his last two seasons in the University of Texas, and though he was a middle round selection, he had some promise.
After not playing for most of his rookie season, Okafor started to display the traits that made the Cardinals take him. In his second professional season, he recorded eight sacks, had three passes defensed, and intercepted a pass. That was his peak season, and for the last two years, he has been solid depth, but has been surpassed by players like Markus Golden and free agent addition Chandler Jones.
With Okafor hitting free agency, a decision has to be made. The Cardinals have their starting outside linebackers, but there is no such thing as too many guys who can get to the quarterback. Edge rusher is a premium position in the NFL, so if the team thinks Okafor can do that, even just as depth, they’ll want to try and keep him.
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Another factor in this situation is the fact that the Cardinals could lose some key players. With Calais Campbell and tony Jefferson, plus a few starters, possibly gone, keeping a player who has experience in the system has value as well.
Okafor might want to go someplace where he can start, and that’s fair. He could have some interest, and his versatility to play in both a 3-4 and 4-3 scheme only helps. His only problem is that this year’s NFL Draft is loaded with pass rushing talent, and teams might not be in a rush to sign a costlier veteran.
The 2017 off-season is full of intrigue for the Cardinals. Okafor is one of a number of players they have to make contract decisions on, and fans will watch closely to see who’s here, and who isn’t. Alex Okafor would be a nice guy to re-sign, but they might have to beat a couple of other teams to the punch once free agency starts.