Raising Zona
FanSided

Analyzing the Arizona Cardinals and the NFC West’s free agency moves

By Sion Fawkes

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 26-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 26-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Arizona Cardinals

Most Prolific Move: Signing J.J. Watt

Watt’s statistics have declined but he proved he can still play in this league. He started all 16 games for just the second time in the past 5 seasons for a Houston Texans team that struggled in every aspect.

Despite his decreased production, he still snagged 5 quarterback sacks, 14 tackles for loss, forced 2 and recovered 1 fumble, and scored a defensive touchdown on his lone interception. In Arizona, Watt will team up with Chandler Jones, Dennis Gardeck, and Markus Golden on a pass rush that features a lot of potential.

Key Additions

A.J. Green/WR, Brian Winters/OG, Rodney Hudson/C, J.J. Watt/DE, Matt Prater/K, Malcolm Butler/CB.

*Additions do not include players who re-signed with team.

Key Needs

RB1, Tight End, Inside Linebacker, and CB1.

Where do they stand?

On paper, the Cardinals looked like the weakest link in the NFC West before free agency. However, they added veteran talent and fulfilled several key areas of need. The upside is that every free agent signing and addition has decades of valuable experience. The downside? Can any continue to play at the same level?

Next. Cardinals put finishing touch on offensive line. dark

Rank in the NFC West: 3rd

The Cardinals hung well with the 49ers and Seahawks with an inferior team in 2020. And while their newest additions won’t stick around long-term, it gives them a more talented team to compete for the division in 2021. Thing is, they brought along proven players who have yet to prove they can mesh.

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