Arizona Cardinals hitting decent grades in free agency

The Arizona Cardinals have been busy over the last couple of days getting players in who can sign contracts on Wednesday

You’d never know that technically free agency hasn’t even started yet.  The Arizona Cardinals, like many other teams, have been busy bringing new players in and agreeing to contracts ahead of the new league year which starts Wednesday afternoon.

The Cardinals aren’t getting any younger but they are certainly adding more veteran leadership.  So far they’ve landed a couple of linebackers, an offensive lineman, and a backup quarterback since teams were allowed to enter into contract negotiations on Monday.

Added:

Terrell Suggs, outside linebacker

There is no secret the Cardinals needed help at linebacker.  Outside linebacker wasn’t the first thought but they do need help in the pass rush.  Suggs comes in and immediately compliments defensive end Chandler Jones.

The problem here is Suggs is 37 years old.  How much longer can he play?  As long as he can produce, then have at it.  Hopefully the Cardinals can get at least two years out of him.  Grade: B+

Jordan Hicks, inside linebacker

The Cardinals definitely had a need at inside linebacker.  Don’t be surprised if they add another soon.  Hicks is a guy that can certainly produce, when he’s able to play.

He’s missed a lot of games over the past few seasons.  He can’t consistently stay healthy and that’s worrisome.  The Cardinals have been chalk full of players that can’t stay healthy.  Grade: B

JR Sweezy, offensive lineman

The best thing I like about this pickup is the fact he leaves the Seattle Seahawks.  Honestly, this one I did not see coming.

We did know the Cardinals are in upgrade mode on the offensive line.  They just traded for tackle Marcus Gilbert from the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.

The Seahawks offensive line has struggled itself over recent years but Sweezy had a solid 2018.  Let’s hope that continues into 2019.  Grade: B+

Brent Hundley, quarterback

The local product out of Chandler High School returns to the Valley after a stop with the Seahawks as Russell Wilson‘s backup.  The Cardinals needed a backup after releasing Mike Glennon last week.

Hundley, drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2015 out of UCLA, has played backup now to both Wilson and Aaron Rodgers.  If for nothing else, that experience could bode well for the Cardinals.  Whether he plays backup for Josh Rosen or someone else, this was a safe pickup but won’t blow anyone away.  Grade: B-