Free agent market loaded with former Arizona Cardinals

A contingent of players who were once employed by the Arizona Cardinals will be searching for work when free agency commences

The upcoming free agency period promises to be a busy one for the Arizona Cardinals. With quite a few holes to fill, and plenty of cash to spend, the club is expected to major players in the market this offseason.

One thing that most NFL organizations experience in this day and age is roster turnover. The Cardinals are no different. In fact, the 2019 free agent list is loaded with individuals who once called the desert their home.

Quarterback Josh McCown, drafted by Arizona all the way back in 2002, has been employed by eight different NFL franchises. The 39-year old, who spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets, will be looking to continue his career somewhere in ’19.

Wide receiver John Brown performed adequately for the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, but will be seeking a new residence after signing just a one-year deal. It could be the same scenario for pass-catcher Andre Roberts, who made the Pro Bowl as a kick-returner this past season after his one and only campaign with the Jets. The Cards’ first-round draft pick in 2012, Michael Floyd, may also be sending out his resume after spending a year with the Washington Redskins.

Former Cardinals’ offensive tackle Jared Veldheer was traded to the Denver Broncos last offseason, but will now be searching for work. The same goes for Jonathan Cooper and Earl Watford, two guards who were once starters for Arizona. Fullback Anthony Sherman, a one-time Card, is also scheduled to be available after spending the last six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Another former Cardinal, defensive tackle Frostee Rucker, will be seeking work after spending last year with the Oakland Raiders. Defensive lineman Josh Mauro followed former “Big Red” defensive coordinator James Bettcher to the New York Giants a year ago, but his one-year contract has expired.

Safety Tyrann Mathieu performed well for the Houston Texans last season, but is also scheduled to become a free agent. Cornerback Marcus Cooper, who has done very little since he left Arizona in 2017, will also be looking for a fresh start. Justin Bethel‘s pro career may be nearing it’s end after the 28-year old corner recorded just 14 tackles in 14 games for the Atlanta Falcons in ’18.

Former Cards’ kicker Chandler Catanzaro was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 10 weeks last season, and signed with the Carolina Panthers later in the year. The 29-year old could struggle to catch on with another squad after such an up and down campaign. Free agent running back Adrian Peterson tallied 1,042 yards on the ground for the Redskins last season after spending six weeks with the Cardinals in ’17.

That’s quite a few ex-Cards who’ll be seeking new addresses in 2019. Some could end up re-signing with the teams they were with last season, others will be moving on. After examining the list, however, it’s safe to say that none will be returning to Arizona for another stint with the Redbirds.