Arizona Cardinals should upgrade these three positions in free agency
By Sion Fawkes
Position #2: guard
The Cardinals had issues at the guard positions all season long. It often involved a revolving door that included Justin Murray, Justin Pugh, and J.R. Sweezy. None of whom were brilliant, per Pro Football Focus. With Pugh receiving the best grade of 64.8, ranking 38th.
But as you can decipher, none of them ranked in the top 32, and Sweezy especially struggled. Pugh could remain at one of the two positions, at least for another season. But the Cardinals need a serious upgrade over Pugh and Murray.
They can always take a flyer on someone in the draft or even kick Josh Jones to the inside if he projects better as a guard in the future as opposed to tackle. But, the Cardinals should look to the free-agent market at least for 2021, given the number of needs at other positions.
Also, the beauty of the guard position is that it’s a versatile one. The Cardinals can always put a career-long center or tackle in the position if they take a one-year flyer on someone like an Alex Mack or Cameron Erving. Both of whom had played in other positions earlier in their careers.
Brandon Scherff would be a steal. Ditto for Joe Thuney. There are other veterans out there the Cardinals can also kick inside. But after last season’s performances from Pugh, Murray, and Sweezy, it’s obvious they need an upgrade.