Arizona Cardinals set to spend in NFL free agency

Good news for the Arizona Cardinals. With $15,184,209 in cap space (per ESPN), the Cardinals are in prime position to add to their needs at wide receiver, running back, cornerback, and potentially the edge position.

How did this happen? After winning the J.J. Watt Sweepstakes earlier in the month, the Cardinals then released and immediately re-signed cornerback Robert Alford in a cost-saving move. By practically restructuring Alford’s deal, it freed additional cap space.

Now, the Cardinals can bring in at least one more notable name to the forefront, as opposed to just signing a few role players. They will definitely look to add another receiver with virtually no true WR2, even if Larry Fitzgerald decides to give it another whirl.

You can also expect the Cardinals to be in the market for corner, given the potential loss of Patrick Peterson. The re-signing of Robert Alford could help, but Alford has not played in two seasons. At most, he adds depth.

Also, expect the Cardinals to hit hard on running back. But, there’s now a certain running back in the 2021 NFL Draft looking to find himself in Glendale. Given the fact he has received comparisons to Alvin Kamara, there’s a good chance the Cardinals zero in on him in the first round of April’s draft. So perhaps they’ll bypass running back.

They will also look for a QB2 to replace the ineffective Chris Streveler, who struggled during his lone appearance in 2020. The Cardinals are in dire need to fix the right side of the offensive line. Plus, if Haason Reddick and Dennis Gardeck walk, expect them to look for viable replacements on the edge.

As of March 13th, the Cardinals have tied in $81,808,918 into their offense and $82,658,601 into defense. They also have another $2,093,750 invested into special teams. Free agency begins this week, and the Cardinals are in prime position to fill a few gaps before the NFL Draft.