Free agent would improve Arizona Cardinals’ defensive front
By Jim Koch
Free agent Allen Bailey would be an outstanding addition to an Arizona Cardinals defensive line that could use some reinforcements
Despite a flurry of offseason additions, the Arizona Cardinals’ roster remains a work in progress. While some areas of the squad have shown improvement, there are others that could still use management’s help.
One position that would benefit from a reinforcement or two is the defensive line. Four weeks into the free agent signing period, a very talented defender is still searching for employment. A player who, if acquired, would provide an instant upgrade for the Cards’ defensive front.
Allen Bailey has been a valued member of the Kansas City Chiefs since 2011. In fact, the former third-round draft pick may be coming off of the most productive campaign of his NFL career. In 16 appearances (13 starts) last season, Bailey registered 38 tackles, six sacks and 10 quarterback hits from his defensive end position.
Arizona’s front line could certainly use that level of production. Nose tackle Corey Peters has been a solid performer for the club but is far from spectacular. New Cardinal Darius Philon is average at best, and the recently re-signed Rodney Gunter is not much better.
The depth behind those three starters is virtually nonexistent. Former first-round selection Robert Nkemdiche has been injury-prone and inconsistent since he entered the league in 2016. The remaining lineman, Pasoni Tasini, Cameron Malveaux, and Vincent Valentine, will be fighting just to stay on the roster in 2019.
Bailey, on the other hand, would be a tremendous acquisition. The 30-year old has appeared in 102 professional games and has 61 starts under his belt. The 6’3, 288 pound Bailey has recorded 207 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 34 tackles for loss and 33 quarterback hits during his eight years with the Chiefs.
According to reports, the veteran visited the Carolina Panthers this past Monday. Bailey also had a meeting with the New England Patriots in mid-March. It is also believed that Kansas City would like to retain their defensive stalwart.
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Bailey could surely find a role with the Cards. There’s a good possibility that the former University of Miami product would even be a starter in the desert. Whether Arizona’s front office would agree with that sentiment remains to be seen.