Arizona Cardinals could still use defensive line assistance

Free agent defensive linemen are still available if the Arizona Cardinals decide to add a reinforcement for that position

Back in March, the Arizona Cardinals acquired some much-needed assistance for their defensive line. Darius Philon arrived from the Los Angeles Chargers, and was handed a two-year, $10 million contract. But thanks to an incident that occurred in May, the 25-year old was released, and Arizona once again needs help up front on defense.

Fortunately for the club, there are several veterans still available who could supply them with depth at the position. Free agents, who for whatever reason, have been unable to find employment with an NFL squad. Defenders who the Cardinals should at least kick the tires on before the regular season begins on September 8th.

Corey Liuget, who was a teammate of Philon’s with the Chargers, has been a solid performer since he was drafted back in 2011. Los Angeles declined an option on the 29-year old’s contract this past February, making him an unrestricted free agent. Liuget has reportedly recovered from the torn quad tendon he suffered last year during a week 11 contest.

Muhammad Wilkerson, a defensive end who was mentioned in a previous post by my colleague Scott Allen, has put up impressive numbers during his time in the league. The 29-year old, who was with the Green Bay Packers in 2018, missed most of last year with an ankle injury. It should also be noted that Wilkerson, who spent the bulk of his career with the New York Jets, was arrested for DWI this past June.

Domata Peko, a veteran of 13 professional campaigns, is also a possibility. The 34-year spent the last two years with the Denver Broncos, after playing his first 11 campaigns with the Cincinnati Bengals. Peko has racked up 589 tackles, 20 sacks and 14 passes defensed since he was drafted out of Michigan State in 2006.

Bennie Logan is a 29-year old who has totaled 233 tackles, seven sacks and 36 tackles for loss in 89 pro appearances (63 starts). Michael Johnson has tallied 398 tackles, 44.5 sacks and 33 pass breakups in 155 career appearances (119 starts). Cedric Thornton has recorded 221 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 29 tackles for loss in 89 appearances (48 starts).

The loss of Philon was obviously an unexpected blow to the Cards defensive line. There’s still time, however, for general manager Steve Keim to make an attempt at replacing him. Perhaps one of the exceutive’s patented one-year, “prove-it” deals will be coming any day now.