Top 3 free agents the Arizona Cardinals can steal from the NFC West
By Sion Fawkes
The Arizona Cardinals got some money to spend in free agency. And what better way to spend it than by weakening a division rival?
The Arizona Cardinals would set themselves up well for long-term success through the NFL Draft. But they have enough money to fill some roster holes via free agency, since even an outstanding draft likely won’t solve all their problems unless they make a blockbuster trade involving DeAndre Hopkins, or gain their projected number of much-needed compensatory picks.
To fill the roster, general manager Monti Ossenfort may not need to look too far. In fact, he could find plenty of names with his new team’s NFC West rivals. Below, you will find three possible free agents. They may not all be household names, but they could play a major role should the Arizona Cardinals sign them.
1 – Mike McGlinchey, T/49ers
The Arizona Cardinals need talent on the offensive line that will likely see Justin Pugh and Rodney Hudson depart. Tackle Kelvin Beachum may also be part of the exodus, and if that’s the case, expect Ossenfort to look for perhaps a long-term starter.
Mike McGlinchey is one name that stands out. Since his rookie season in 2018, McGlinchey has 64 starts out of 82 possible regular season games. He mainly missed time with injuries, meaning if he’s healthy, the 28-year-old is a shoo-in to be a long-term starter.
2 – Drew Lock, QB/Seahawks
Drew Lock has definitely underperformed since he entered the league in 2019. But the Arizona Cardinals may need a backup quarterback capable of starting games, and Lock is one free agent capable of playing for an extended time.
As it stands, the Cards have Colt McCoy on the roster, but the 36-year-old shouldn’t be counted on to lead the Redbirds for what may be up to a half-season. While there are better options out there, Lock would be a sound consolation if he doesn’t re-sign with Seattle.
3 – Matt Gay, K/Rams
Matt Gay has been one of the NFL’s best kickers over the past two seasons, converting 60 out of his last 64 kicks, good for a 0.937 percentage. If he decides not to re-sign with the Los Angeles Rams, or if they let him walk, the Cardinals should reach out.
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Last season, Matt Prater manned the position, but at 38, Gay is a younger option who could realistically fill the position for the next decade. And given the kicking carousel the Redbirds found themselves on lately, stability at the position would be a huge sigh of relief.
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