Arizona Cardinals: Steve Keim’s modus operandi
Free Agency
Do not sign high-priced free agents, unless they are a top player at a position that is difficult to fill, such as quarterback, offensive line, or pass rusher.
Under Keim, the Cardinals have not typically been big players in free agency, though they have occasionally opened the coin purse. The Cardinals appear prepared to pay Chandler Jones market value, and they spent significant money on Mike Iupati and Jared Veldheer. Aside from these exceptions, however, most of the Cardinals’ free agent signings under Keim have been of the cap-friendly variety.
Do look for quality veterans who are willing to sign bargain “prove it” deals, late in free agency.
The Cardinals have had some success with this strategy, benefiting from strong performances by veterans Antonio Cromartie, Karlos Dansby, and Dwight Freeney. Though some of these signings have been less fruitful, such as Sean Weatherspoon’s forgettable season in the desert, the modest one-year contracts make for a low-risk/high-reward proposition.
Do not re-sign aging free agents to pricey, long-term contracts, unless they are a quarterback or face of the franchise.
The Cardinals appear to be following the Steelers’ model of not re-signing their aging veterans to sizable, long-term contracts. Larry Fitzgerald stands out as an example of a “face of the franchise” player whom the Cardinals have paid late into his career. There are, however, numerous examples of aging, high-dollar players with whom the Cardinals have parted ways.
Some examples include long-time Cardinals like Adrian Wilson and Darnell Dockett. Additionally, some of the veterans signed to “prove it” deals, such as Antonio Cromartie and Karlos Dansby, were not re-signed by the Cardinals after they had, indeed, proven it.
Churn the bottom of the roster.
Keim has demonstrated a tendency to maintain a revolving door at the bottom of the roster. While most of the moves in this category are of little consequence, some of these players have started regular season games, like offensive linemen John Wetzel and Ulrick John. In some exceptional cases, these players have become meaningful contributors, such as D.J. Swearinger and Sio Moore.
Invest heavily in the offensive line through both free agency and the draft.
Beyond the churning at the bottom of the roster, Keim has brought in numerous free agent offensive linemen. These signings include both long-term deals, like those signed by Jared Veldheer and Mike Iupati, as well as more cap-friendly signings such as Ted Larsen, A.Q. Shipley, and Evan Mathis.
In addition to free agency, Keim has also spent significant draft capital on the offensive line, including first round picks Jonathan Cooper and D.J. Humphries, as well as fourth round picks Earl Watford and Evan Boehm.
When one considers Keim’s own playing career as a guard, his emphasis on the offensive line should not come as a surprise. Though the results have been mixed, the commitment to the offensive line seems quite evident.