FanPost

Arizona Cardinals Offseason Preview: Free Agency

Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

With the expected returns of Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald, it is safe to assume that the Arizona Cardinals will not be signing quarterbacks and wide receivers this offseason. Instead the Cardinals will find their long term replacements through the NFL Draft. The Cardinals will have to decide between Tony Jefferson and DJ Swearinger, pay big money for offensive line again, Marcus Cooper and Free Agent options, and Calais Campbell's future here.

The Arizona Cardinals should have a little over $11M to sign free agents:

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Prince Amukamara, Cornerback (Contract: 2yr $11M) Previous Team: Jaguars

Analysis: He has proven himself this past season with the Jacksonville Jaguars that he can stay healthy. Amukamara is very solid in man coverage. The Cardinals surrendered too many yards at the CB2 position that was manned by Marcus Cooper and Brandon Williams. Amukamara would be a huge boost to an already dominant defense. Amukamara brings size, 6'0'', and speed, 4.43 40 yard dash. The case for Marcus Cooper is that he can be a solid depth option for both the cornerback and safety positions. The Cardinals have interest in bringing Cooper back so don't rule out his return.

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Jahleel Addae, Strong Safety (Contract: 1yr $2M) Previous Team: Chargers

Analysis: He is the type of player that should play on a one year prove it deal. He has had trouble staying healthy but when he is, he is a dominant player on the field. He brings energy, grit, and a powerful vocal leader to any locker room. His passion for the game is there and he has all of the physical traits to replace either Swearinger or Jefferson. I expect Jefferson's return and Addae would be a nice compliment to the defense in nickel and dime packages. We all know how the Cardinals love their safeties.

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Menelik Watson, Right Tackle (Contract: 2yr $3M) Previous Team: Raiders

Analysis: The Cardinals need better depth at the offensive line position. John Wetzel is a swing tackle who has started at many of the offensive line positions this past season due to injuries. Wetzel brings solid depth but Watson brings more experience. He has good size at 6'5'' and shouldn't be on high demand in free agency. If any injuries were to happen, the Cardinals need to make sure they have solid backup options. Last season, they learned the hard way after Veldheer, Evan Mathis, & DJ Humphries were placed on IR that their depth was their weakness. John Wetzel took a long time to get comfortable as a starter as he was a guard one week and a tackle the next. Ulrick John had a few starts but was also placed on IR. Taylor Boggs and Earl Watford were inconsistent but both had their moments. Carson Palmer was running for his life for a good part of the season. Watson will help the Cardinals tremendously.

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Tim Lelito, Left Guard (Contract: 2yr $3M) Previous Team: Saints

Analysis: The Saints will be looking to upgrade their offensive line which means Lelito will probably not be in their plans. The Cardinals can't count on experienced players to start if injuries do happen so expect Lelito or another guard in free agency to be brought in. The stronger the depth is at the offensive line position, the better off Palmer will be in the pocket. A better offensive line can take AZ one step closer to the Super Bowl. Lelito will be a great help.

<em>This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.</em>