2020 FA Predictions: 4 Signings for Cardinals

From another Mitch!

I think Mitch at Bottom Line does an excellent job and so many of his 50 predictions make perfect sense. If you have the time, it’s a superb video:

4 Cardinals:

RB Kenyan Drake (ARI)—-Mitch cites a perfect fit in K2’s offense and a potential David Johnson trade to the Bucs.

C Connor McGovern (DEN)—-Mitch cites Sean Kugler’s role in McGovern’s development.

DT Shelby Harris (DEN)—-(pictured above chasing Patrick Mahomes) Mitch cites how Harris had his best season under Vance Joseph.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (TB)—-Mitch feels that at this point in his career, JPP, is a complimentary edge rusher who is still playing at a high level and thus could shine opposite Chandler Jones.

Reactions:

Drake—-signing him may be contingent on being able to trade David Johnson. I think that if the Cardinals can trade DJ, KD could wind up signing in the $6-7M a year range, plus incentives, with the Cardinals being the highest bidder.

McGovern—-he makes a lot of sense because of his ties to Kugs and it would allow Kugs to keep Mason Cole at guard, which seems like his most natural fit. McGovern’s 2019 grades for starting centers who delivered over 600 snaps: Overall: 71.9 (#10 C), Pass Blocking: 82.5 (#5 C); Run Blocking: 64.0 (#16 C). I am guessing that McGovern would be signed in the $7M a year range.

Harris—-at 6-3, 300, 28, Harris is in his prime. Sportrac predicts a contract of 3 years for $16.5M ($5.5M a season) with $7M guaranteed. I think those figures are a little low and would expect Harris to command something more like a 3 year $20M contract with $10M guaranteed. 2019 stats: 45 tackles, 28 QB pressures, 6 sacks. PFF grade for DIs with over 500 snaps: 76.8 (#13 DI). Shelby is a better all-around DT than Derek Wolfe and even out-graded Wolfe this past season in pass rushing efficiency.

Pierre-Paul—-his production is still impressive at age 31. Last season in 10 games, JPP recorded 18 tackles, 44 QB pressures and 9 sacks. Now that the Bucs are putting the f-tag on Shaq Barrett, chance are they won’t re-sign JPP. JPP (6-5, 275) has very similar size and speed to Chandler Jones. At this point in his career, he should be used as a sub package pass rusher (67% snaps), thus the Cardinals can hope JPP will contribute to the team’s success the way John Abraham did. JPP’s pass rushing grade in 2019 was 66.7. My guess is a salary in the $8M range, plus incentives.

I applaud Mitch for his creative insights here. This would be a nice initial haul for the Cardinals. of course, the Cardinals would still need to address the WILB position.

What are your reactions?

Conclusion:

The two signings I like the most are C Connor McGovern and DT Shelby Harris.

I would prefer to sign UFA RB DeAndre Washington for $3M a year and to draft a RB, than to re-sign Kenyan Drake at $6-7M a year.

I hope that the Cardinals sign a younger and better 34 OLB fit than JPP. Bud Dupree (Steelers) would be fantastic, imo. But, if he is too pricey, I would love to see the Cardinals sign OLB Kamalei Correa (Titans), an aggressive player who is just starting to hit his stride.

I would love to see the Cardinals stick to signing players in the 25-28 range.