Arizona Cardinals may seek inside linebacker help in 2020
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals wish list for 2020 could include a free agent linebacker that they can pair with Jordan Hicks
It’s no secret that the Arizona Cardinals are going to need a tremendous amount of help in 2020. Victories have once again been hard to come by this season, so adding reinforcements to the roster is a must if the organization wants to get back into playoff contention. One of the Cards top priorities should be fixing a defense that currently ranks dead last in the NFL.
One position that could be addressed by general manager Steve Keim and company is the inside linebacker spot. Newcomer Jordan Hicks has been spectacular at one of the posts, but Arizona needs to find someone to place next to the tackling machine. Fortunately for the front office, there are some very intriguing names on next offseason’s free agent list who can fill that void.
Blake Martinez of the Green Bay Packers is just one of the inside linebackers who is scheduled to hit the market. Since he turned professional in 2016, the 25-year old has been one of the surest run-stoppers in the league. In 13 appearances this season, Martinez has recorded 128 tackles and two sacks for the NFC North-leading Packers.
Another candidate who would look fantastic in a Cardinals uniform is Cory Littleton. The fourth-year pro was an undrafted free agent of the Los Angeles Rams back in ’16. Littleton has racked up 112 tackles, 2.5 sacks and eight passes defensed in 2019.
Joe Schobert, a former fourth-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, could also be targeted by the Cards. The 26-year old has tallied 110 tackles, two sacks and nine pass breakups during the current campaign. The Cardinals will get a closeup look at Schobert this coming Sunday when they take on the Browns at State Farm Stadium.
One more player that Arizona could pursue for the inside linebacker slot is Danny Trevathan of the Chicago Bears. The eight-year veteran has tallied 629 tackles, nine sacks, eight interceptions and 34 passes defensed in 96 career contests (77 starts). Trevathan spent his first four campaigns with the Denver Broncos and the last four with the Bears.
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With an ample amount of salary-cap space to play with, the Cardinals should be able to add a top-flight performer to their linebacking corps. Keim struck gold earlier this year when he landed Hicks. Considering the talented individuals who will likely be available, there’s a fairly good chance that the team’s executive will be able to duplicate that success next March.