Arizona Cardinals: Likelihood that free agents return

Linebacker Alex Okafor

When Arizona selected Texas pass rusher Alex Okafor in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft, Cardinals fans experienced a deja vu moment. It was only two years prior – in the 2011 NFL draft – when the Cardinals had selected Texas pass rusher Sam Acho. Also in the fourth round. In fact, both players were the 103rd selection of their respective drafts.

The similarities do not end there. Both players had some success as rotational pass rushers, but neither managed to establish himself as a long-term solution at the position. With the Cardinals pass rush tandem of Chandler Jones and Markus Golden clearly established, Okafor may very well continue along the Sam Acho career path, and leave Arizona as a free agent, following the completion of his rookie contract.

The ability to rotate in fresh pass rushers is a valuable asset in the NFL, so there is value in retaining Okafor. However, if another team offers Okafor an opportunity to compete for a starting job – and the kind of contract that comes with such an opportunity – it’s hard to imagine that he would pass up the offer.

Likelihood of returning: 20 percent