Dec 16, 2012; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) leads the defense onto the field before the game at The Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Giants 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals needed a pass-rusher opposite Calais Campbell. They don’t anymore.
According to NFL.com, the Cardinals signed John Abraham to a two-year deal with no financial terms disclosed. Abraham, who registered 10 sacks last season with the Atlanta Falcons, is on the wrong side of 30, but he can help the Cardinals.
Abraham’s experience and pass-rushing skills will benefit the Cardinals. He has 122 career sacks, which ranks 13th in NFL history, and if he can make the switch to either a 3-4 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker without much trouble, he will thrive.
The Cardinals don’t have many pass-rushers, as Campbell, who picked up just 6.5 sacks in 2012, was their best pass-rusher. Now, the Cardinals have a formidable defensive end tandem.
We could see the Cardinals run more 4-3, as Campbell and Abraham both work better as pass-rushers. Abraham ran a 4-3 in Atlanta, and his ego and his dominance in the 4-3 may lead to the Cardinals becoming a hybrid team or using the 4-3 as their base defense. That could cause chaos within the defense, though.
Cardinals fans should be excited about this move, but there is some reason to worry. If Abraham’s age shows, if he fails to transition to the 3-4 or if a scheme switch causes chaos, it would cost the Cardinals greatly.