The Arizona Cardinals have completely overhauled their defensive front in free agency. According to a PFSN analyst, they may not be finished.
In a recent article, Mark Stolte listed one remaining free agent whom each team should sign. Most players left on the market will serve as depth pieces on their next teams, but some impact pieces are still available.
Analyst suggests Cardinals should sign edge rusher DeMarcus Walker in free agency
Stolte’s selection for the Arizona Cardinals was underwhelming, to say the least. He paired edge rusher DeMarcus Walker with the Cardinals, claiming that “Walker would provide some much-needed depth to Arizona’s defensive line at a relatively cheap price.”
Walker has played eight seasons in the NFL, most recently posting four sacks in a backup role with the Chicago Bears. He previously had stints with the Broncos, Texans, and Titans. Walker's most productive season came with the Titans in 2022, when he had eight sacks.
At 30 years old, DeMarcus Walker is likely on the downturn of his career. Wherever he signs in free agency, he will likely serve as a depth piece rather than a consistent starter.
Contrary to Stolte's claim, the Cardinals already have solid depth at both edge spots. With the signing of Josh Sweat and the retention of Baron Browning Jr., Arizona has quality starters on both sides. B.J. Ojulari and Zaven Collins complete a well-rounded edge group. Second-year defender Darius Robinson can even play on the outside
Of course, the Cardinals could still choose to add an edge rusher in the upcoming NFL Draft. This draft class is stocked full of high-quality pass rushing prospects. If Arizona drafts one of them, they will be able to learn behind the existing starters with the hopes of developing into a star.
DeMarcus Walker, on the other hand, has very little hope of developing. In an already solid edge rushing group, Walker would likely see limited playing time.
Instead, the Cardinals could look to find veteran contributors through free agency at skill positions on both sides of the ball. Players like Tyler Lockett, James Bradberry, and Rasul Douglas could all make more of an impact than DeMarcus Walker would.
Whether the Cardinals choose to add another free agent or not, they have already had a successful offseason. Monti Ossenfort's ability to attract quality veterans while building through the draft has set this franchise on a positive trajectory for the first time in quite a while.