Analyzing the Arizona Cardinals free agent class in 2019
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals front office has gotten solid production out of the free agents they acquired for the 2019 campaign
Following a disastrous 2018 campaign, the Arizona Cardinals front office was cognizant of the fact that they needed help. Poor coaching contributed to the squad’s nightmarish season, but a lack of talent was also a factor. If the Cards had any chance of improving in 2019, fresh additions to the roster would have to be made.
The biggest prize that came out of the free agent market for Arizona was a linebacker. A $34 million contract was handed to Jordan Hicks, and the 27-year old has been worth every penny of it. In 11 contests (11 starts), the former Philadelphia Eagle has racked up 111 tackles, three interceptions, six passes defensed and 1.5 sacks for a struggling Cardinals defense.
A couple of new acquisitions for the offensive line have paid dividends as well. J.R. Sweezy, a veteran of 89 NFL starts, has brought fire and tenacity to the Cards right guard spot. Justin Murray, who was claimed off of the waiver wire on September 1st, was Pro Football Focus’ top-rated right tackle this past Sunday.
Two more free agent pickups from this offseason have solidified Arizona’s tight end position. Maxx Williams, originally signed to a one-year deal back in May, was rewarded with a two-year extension this past weekend. Charles Clay has hauled in just 13 passes, but the 30-year old has averaged an impressive 13 yards per catch.
Cornerback Tramaine Brock Sr. supplied the Cardinals secondary with an experienced presence while Patrick Peterson was suspended. The 31-year old has recorded 29 tackles and three pass breakups in nine appearances (six starts) for the club. However, a hamstring injury has caused Brock Sr. to miss the Cards last two matchups.
Linebacker Terrell Suggs decided to finish his career in his home state after spending his first 16 years with the Baltimore Ravens. The 37-year old has tallied 37 tackles, 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 11 games for Arizona. Edge rusher Cassius Marsh Sr. has registered 20 tackles, a sack and three quarterback hits since he arrived on September 1st.
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Cardinals management deserves solid grades for the players they have added in ’19. Unfortunately, their efforts haven’t resulted in many victories. Let’s all hope that the 2020 class will have more of an impact for the Cards in the win column.