Three players the Arizona Cardinals must retain in free agency

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 03: Jordan Hicks #58 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

4 of 4

Haason Reddick

Next to Budda Baker, Reddick was the team’s Defensive MVP. When Chandler Jones went down with a biceps injury, many of us were wondering what would become of the Cardinals pass rush.

Markus Golden had yet to return to town. And Devon Kennard didn’t live up to his billing. Enter Haason Reddick, whom just about everyone in the Red Sea along with NFL experts labeled as a draft bust.

And you can’t blame them. Over his first three seasons, Reddick looked completely overwhelmed. A move back to his natural position at outside linebacker set the wheels in motion and he is now coming off a career year.

Problem is, Reddick performed so well with 12.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles that he should have no choice but to test the free agent market. Not that he’ll be paid the top dollar after just one good season, but the Cardinals will have to fight to keep him around.

Cardinals should have moved on from Kingsbury. dark. Next

The Cardinals could always place the franchise tag on Reddick, but are they willing to pay the price? Also, it only guarantees Reddick is around for another season. It will come down to cap space, and how much the Cardinals are willing to sacrifice to keep the 26-year-old around.