Yesterday, we took a glimpse at former Colts and Falcons cornerback, Kelvin Hayden. The Cardinals are looking for some depth at the position after losing Richard Marshall and according to the poll, 58% of you believe Hayden can fill that gap. He did not have a great season in 2011, but if he can return to his glory days that he had in Indy, he would be a welcomed addition to the Cards.
Today, we will look at a player that the Cardinals have actually expressed interest in before. During the last offseason, Matt Roth was a free agent and looking for somewhere to call home. The deserts of Arizona were considered one of his more likely landing spots, where he would have contributed as an outside linebacker. Instead, he chose the 4-3 defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars and played defensive end.
Roth is an unrestricted free agent yet again here in 2012. Should the Cardinals rekindle the fire with him, this time inking him to a contract?
As a member of the Jaguars, Roth did not have a great showing. He was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a season ending concussion. Before he was sent to the IR, Roth was a somewhat productive player for the Jags.
Pro Football Focus gave Roth a negative grade in the pass rushing department. Still, in 199 pass rushing attempts, he managed to collect 4 sacks, 2 QB hits and 9 pressures. Keep in mind, this was coming from the defensive end position.
It was in run defense where Roth really made his name known. He scored a +12.5 grade in that area and was one of the premiere run stoppers as a defensive end in the entire league. He had a total of 19 "stops" which are essentially solo tackles that create and offensive failure.
When he was with the Browns, Roth played as an outside linebacker, so there is no doubt that he could come to Arizona and do the same thing. The question is: how much does he want and should the Cardinals give him the opportunity?
I would think that if Roth is looking for a short term deal (1 or 2 years) and is comfortable playing limited snaps, then he could be a valuable signing for this franchise. He is a big linebacker that could help the Cardinals against the strong run game in the NFC West all while mentoring the younger players.
What are your thoughts on Roth? Should the Cardinals seal the deal this time around? Tell us in the comments below and vote in the poll.
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