Second-tier free agent candidates for the Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
There are several intriguing free agents who would not eat up a significant amount of the Arizona Cardinals salary-cap space
After four consecutive campaigns without a playoff appearance, the Arizona Cardinals are expected to make extensive changes to their roster this offseason. There’s a good possibility that part of the club’s salary-cap space will be used on one or two blue-chip free agents. More of Arizona’s money, however, will likely be spent on individuals who are ranked in the second-tier of this year’s contingent.
Phillip Dorsett, a wide receiver who would fall into that second-tier category, is fresh off of a solid campaign for the New England Patriots. The 27-year old hauled in 29 passes for 397 yards and five touchdowns, and averaged an impressive 13.7 yards per reception. Dorsett, a former first-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts, spent the past three years catching footballs from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Inside linebacker Patrick Onwuasor, an undrafted free agent of the Baltimore Ravens back in 2016, will be seeking a new contract this spring. The 6’0, 227 pounder racked up 61 tackles, three sacks and six quarterback hits in 14 appearances (six starts) for Baltimore in 2019. Onwuasor has registered 231 tackles, 9.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and six passes defensed in the 57 professional contests (32 starts) he has suited up for.
While Germain Ifedi may be a notch below fellow free agent tackles Anthony Castonzo and Jack Conklin, the former first-round selection is a solid performer nonetheless. The 31st player taken in the 2016 NFL Draft has started 59 games for the Seattle Seahawks over the past four seasons. Ifedi would be a fine choice for the Cardinals currently vacant right tackle position.
Cornerback Bashaud Breeland was an integral part of the Kansas City Chiefs group that emerged victorious in Super Bowl LIV this past Sunday. The 28-year old recorded 48 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups and a fumble return for a score in 16 matchups (15 starts) for the Chiefs in ’19. Breeland will surely get more than the $2 million he collected last year in his new deal, but is not expected to receive the top-tier money that some other free agent cover guys will command in 2020.
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Free agency is now just a little over a month away. As of now, the Cards have upwards of $51 million in salary-cap cash to use when the signing period begins in March. Let’s all hope that Arizona general manager Steve Keim and the rest of the front office use their funds wisely on this year’s class.