Top 5 available under-the-radar free agents the Arizona Cardinals could sign
By Avery Duncan
Darius Philon, IDL
The Arizona Cardinals have added to their edge rush in the off-season, but the interior defensive line still remains untouched. Although Keim and company could draft Quinnen Williams with the top pick to fill this hole, Darius Philon might be a cheaper answer with high upside.
Philon has the ability to act as a nose tackle on passing downs, and 3-4 defensive end when attempting to stop the run. For the 2018 Los Angeles Chargers, he had a limited snap count (607) but was productive. He tallied 4.0 sacks, 19 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a forced fumble on the year.
At 6-1, 300-lbs, Philon isn’t the most physically imposing defensive lineman; but he has a high motor and was the leader of the Chargers 2018 interior rush. While Philon is more of a 4-3 defensive tackle, he projects as a good fit with Vance Joseph’s attacking 3-4 defense. The new defensive coordinator has stated his desire to rush through the interior of the line, a role Philon could thrive in.
Due to the nature of being a productive 25-year-old interior rusher, Philon has garnered some interest around the NFL, specifically with the Patriots. If the Cardinals do intend to pursue him, they better act quick.