Raising Zona
FanSided

Arizona Cardinals could improve pass rush with Cameron Wake

By Jim Koch

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Cameron Wake #91 of the Tennessee Titans runs onto the field with soldiers before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Nissan Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Chiefs 35-32. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Cameron Wake #91 of the Tennessee Titans runs onto the field with soldiers before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Nissan Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Chiefs 35-32. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The recently-released sack specialist could supply some additional pass-rushing help for the Arizona Cardinals defensive unit

Roughly one year ago, the Arizona Cardinals took a shot on an aging veteran to help them with their pass rush. Terrell Suggs didn’t work out as the club had hoped, however, and the longtime Baltimore Raven was released after just 13 games. Now, with the 2020 free agent signing period set to begin, would the Cards front office be willing to go down a similar road once again?

Cameron Wake, an outside linebacker who has logged 11 NFL seasons, is now looking for work. The Tennessee Titans parted ways with the 38-year old on Thursday, in what appears to be a cost-cutting move. According to Overthecap.com, Wake’s departure will save the Titans upwards of $5.6 million in salary-cap space for the upcoming campaign.

Wake has been one of the league’s top sack specialists over the past decade or so. The 6’3, 263 pounder has accumulated 100.5 sacks since he was signed by the Miami Dolphins back in 2009. Wake played his college ball at Penn State University, and also spent two seasons with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.

In 155 NFL appearances (126 starts), Wake has registered 364 tackles, 22 forced fumbles, 16 passes defensed and a whopping 224 quarterback hits. The Maryland native’s spectacular play has earned him invitations to five Pro Bowls during his professional career.

Tennessee inked Wake to a three-year, $23 million deal back in March of 2019. A knee injury suffered against the Jacksonville Jaguars sent the edge rusher to the injured-reserve list after just nine contests with the Titans. Wake’s numbers during his abbreviated stay with the franchise included four tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits and a safety.

Chandler Jones totaled 19 sacks for the Cardinals last fall, and has been credited with 60 since he joined the organization back in 2016. Unfortunately, the 30-year old star has received very little help in that department from his Arizona teammates. In fact, the 5.5 sacks that Suggs recorded before his release were the second-highest on the team in ’19.

Next. Cardinals 4 days away from free agency. dark

It’s obvious that the Cards need to find someone who can assist Jones in taking down opposing signal-callers. General manager Steve Keim has found success in the past with one-year, “prove-it” contracts for players who are a bit past their prime. At this point in his career, Wake would appear to fit that description quite well.

Home/Cardinals Free Agency