Free agent additions the Arizona Cardinals can still make

The Arizona Cardinals have used up a ton of their salary-cap space, but there are still roster holes that need to be filled

The first week of the NFL’s free agency period was a tremendous one for the Arizona Cardinals. Of course, the big news for the club was the trade that brought wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to town. Improving the defense was on the Cards agenda as well, and the additions of Jordan Phillips, Devon Kennard and De’Vondre Campbell certainly helped the squad on that side of the ball.

A large portion of Arizona’s salary-cap room has been used up, but several roster holes remain. Filling those spots will not be easy, now that general manager Steve Keim has limited funds to work with. The Cardinals front office needs to acquire some less-expensive reinforcements who could help them solve the issue.

Last year’s starting center, A.Q. Shipley, is unemployed at the present time. One alternative to bringing the veteran back is Daniel Kilgore, a 32-year old who has logged 56 starts during his professional career. The 6’3, 291 pounder started 13 games for the Miami Dolphins last season, after spending his first seven campaigns with the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite the fact that Kenyan Drake and Chase Edmonds are in the fold, the Cards may still look to acquire another running back. One ball-carrier who could warrant consideration from Keim is Theo Riddick. The 28-year old amassed 3,261 yards from scrimmage and 19 total touchdowns during the six years he spent with the Detroit Lions.

With number-two cornerback Robert Alford coming off of a season-ending leg injury, it may behoove the Cardinals to add to that position. Trumaine Johnson, a cover guy with 23 interceptions and 74 passes defensed on his pro resume, is an intriguing option. The 30-year old started his career with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, but was a member of the New York Jets in both 2018 and 2019.

Although starter Justin Murray was retained on a one-year deal, Arizona’s right tackle post is still up for grabs. Daryl Williams, a versatile offensive lineman who has started 41 contests for the Carolina Panthers, could be signed to compete for the job. The 27-year old was named Second-team All-Pro following a spectacular performance at right tackle in 2017.

One more free agent possibility worth mentioning is Lions safety Tavon Wilson. The former second-round draft pick of the New England Patriots would make a fine partner for Budda Baker in the Cards secondary. Wilson has totaled 357 tackles, eight picks and 19 pass breakups during his eight campaigns in the league.