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This will be the fourth free agency period the Arizona Cardinals have had with Steve Keim leading the way as general manager. There has been a pattern to his madness. While he has been known for his shrewd one-year contracts for veterans later in the game, he has also made some sort of splash every single offseason.
In 2013, it wasn't in free agency. It came via trade, when he acquired quarterback Carson Palmer.
In 2014 and 2015, it was on the offensive line. Jared Veldheer suddenly became available when the Raiders decided not to use the franchise tender on him. They landed him for five years, $35 million. Then, last year, it was Mike Iupati, whom they signed for five years and $40 million. That move seemed to come out of the blue.
Will the Cardinals make a splash again this offseason? They say their biggest needs are at outside linebacker and in the secondary. A pass rusher, even a mediocre one will cost a lot, so it could be there, but they could also go with a safety or cornerback. There is uncertainty moving forward at those positions, as Jerraud Powers and Rashad Johnson are both going to hit the market and Tony Jefferson was only give a low restricted free agent tender.
Will it be the pass rush? Will it be a defensive back..or will it be on the offensive line again? Or will they change things up and go with quieter moves? We will know in a couple of days.