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The Arizona Cardinals have vowed to be aggressive in free agency. This weekend team can begin to speak with agents and then, next Tuesday, the frenzy begins.
A priority for the Arizona Cardinals is ad speed and also find a pass rusher. Who is available on the free agent market...or who could be?
Here are some names to consider:
Justin Houston
At age 26, he is about get a big payday, but he also is a likely franchise tag candidate. He had 22 sacks in 2014 and 11 in 2013. he is 6-3, 258. Of course, last year the whole world believed left tackle Jared Veldheer would be tagged by the Raiders. He wasn't and the Cardinals swooped in and signed him.
Jerry Hughes
Hughes, also 26 years old, is a name that has come up as the Cardinals top target (assuming Houston gets franchised). He has had 10 sacks each of the past two seasons. In FanSpeak's "Manage the Cap" simulator, Hughes gets contracts averaging between $9.5 million and $12 million per season.
Jason Worilds
He is a former Steeler. He had 7.5 sacks last season, a career high. He already has been a 3-4 outside linebacker, so there wouldn't be much in terms of position transition.
Brian Orakpo
Orakpo is a little older than the others at age 28, but durability is an issue. He played in only seven games in 2014 and only two in 2012. He did play every game in 2013 and had 10 sacks. He had 28.5 sacks between 2009-2011.