Raising Zona
FanSided

Former Arizona Cardinals who could return in 2019

By Avery Duncan

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 30: Brandon Williams #26 and Zeke Turner #47 and other members of the Arizona Cardinals celebrate after tying the score in the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 30: Brandon Williams #26 and Zeke Turner #47 and other members of the Arizona Cardinals celebrate after tying the score in the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass ahead of defensive end Benson Mayowa #91 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass ahead of defensive end Benson Mayowa #91 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Benson Mayowa, DE

Pros for return: Like Bynes and Gunter, Mayowa arguably had his best season as a pro in 2018. After signing a one-year deal before the season, the former Idaho Vandal was a pleasant surprise for the ’18 Redbirds.

Mayowa showed an ability to set the edge as a 4-3 defensive end and finished the year with 38 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and 11 quarterbacks hits. Even more impressive, Mayowa ranked as Pro Football Focus‘ 29th best edge defender on the year with a 73.3 grade.

At only 27-years-old, Mayowa has a lot of football left in him. While he might not be the most statistically impressive edge setter (13.0 career sacks in 72 games), the defender has proved he deserves a spot in the league as a rotational pass-rusher and spot starter. He started four games for the Cardinals last season and is familiar with the thought of being a backup.

Cons for return: Mayowa had a solid season in large part due to the 4-3 defense. As a 4-3 defensive end, he was able to use his 6-3, 265-pound frame to his advantage but it may do the opposite in the 3-4. The Cardinals have also already added Brooks Reed and Terrell Suggs to the edge setting group and may draft Nick Bosa, which would make the group that much more crowded.

Final verdict: Resigning Mayowa wouldn’t likely happen until the pre-season. If a player gets hurt, the edge rusher may fill a need and is familiar with the team.

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