4 Free Agents the Arizona Cardinals should pursue heading into 2018

The season is fast approaching, and the dog days of the football season are dragging on. I wanted to make a list of potential free agents the Arizona Cardinals should look into, but selfishly, this list is more of ‘my top’ list.

1. Bashaud Breeland - Cornerback
Previous Team: Washington Redskins
Priority: low

The hypothetical is apparently stretching, as the Cardinals just traded for Jamar Taylor from the Browns and are apparently happy so far about the development (again) of Brandon Williams/Christian Campbell/Bené Benwikere. So why would the Cards want to bring in Breeland?

Because although, it’s no more a must, people seem to forget depth. Jamar Taylor is best uses as a slot guy. The weakness of a subpar corner opposite Patrick Peterson could force the defense to slide down in effectiveness. Breeland, is by far the best corner on the market, and him being recently cleared by doctors makes him more interesting. This is my best effort to solidify the opposite side of Patrick Peterson.

Other options: Adam Jones, Cincinnati Bengals, Kayvon Webster, Los Angeles Rams, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, New York Giants.

2. Dez Bryant - Wide Receiver
Previous Team: Dallas Cowboys
Priority: medium

Once upon a time, Dez Bryant was a dynamic receiver who used his solid size to win as a receiver, a jump ball receiver and was an athletic freak after the catch. As of late, he’s endured a number of injuries that resulted in him being cut. Why hasn’t he signed? Is it because he didn’t have speed left anymore and doesn’t have much to offer anyone in the first place?

If he passes a physical, I don’t get why he couldn’t be a viable option for the Cardinals. It doesn’t hurt to throw as many options at the receiver position and hope that someone sticks. If you believe in the youth you’ve got already (Chad Williams, Christian Kirk), then Dez isn’t needed in this scenario. I’m still on board of getting Dez, but there are other receivers on the market. Eric Decker is, Jeremy Marlin and more likely special-teams ace of Brittan Golden could all help.

Other options: Eric Decker, Tennessee Titans. Jeremy Maclin, Baltimore Ravens. Brittan Golden, Arizona Cardinals

3. Mychal Kendricks - Outside Linebacker
Previous Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Priority: medium

The linebacker corps seems set, as Haason Reddick, Deone Bucannon, and Josh Bynes as the primary starters. My problem would be the comfort level of the linebackers after the immediate starters and frankly, the unknown that comes along with all the starters. Can Haason take a step forward from a differing linebacker role from last year? Deone seems like a natural in the box safety, does he have the body type to hold up? Is Josh Bynes a starter who can give solid stats? That’s where Kendricks comes in.

Yes, he might be pricier than NaVarro Bowman, but Kendricks is a plug-in in any given system. He can literally play all three positions in a 4-3 system and is valuable as a pass defender. He plays well in running situations and can cover most tight ends. So, why is he on the market? Injuries happen, so (like Dez) if he can get past previous injuries, you’ve got yourself a playmaker.

Other options: NaVarro Bowman, Oakland Raiders. Shea McClellin, Chicago Bears. Gerald Hodges, New Orleans Saints

4. Tre Boston - Strong Safety
Previous Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Priority: high

Last, but not least, the strong safety position. I thought that Kenny Vaccaro, Eric Reid, and Tre Boston would be gone by now. Why? Is this a lack of market for safeties? How about the controversy (Eric Reid)? What about injury concerns (Vaccaro)?

If it’s based on talent that would fit in for the Cardinals, I would want a safety with range and ferocious intentions. My winning ticket for a complete defense (biggest need, in my opinion) is Tre Boston. He covered a lot of ground in short spurts and made big-time tackles while flowing downhill.

I’ve wanted the Cardinals to test youth early for quite some time, so I would be very happy if the Cardinals took a chance on the development of Budda Baker. Hopefully Baker, Chad Williams, Brandon Williams, and Haason Reddick take the necessary steps to be complete starters on this team. Anyways, happy summer Cards fans