Arizona Cardinals 2013 Free Agency Preview

This article was written by Scott Allen of Raising Zona. 

The Arizona Cardinals may not find a ton of help in free agency this year, however there are some guys out there that could help.  Look for the Cards to dig in April’s NFL Draft for the deepest help in positions of need.  Certainly the biggest areas of need are quarterback, offensive line, and probably linebacker.  There really aren’t any quarterbacks worth picking up in free agency, so we can rule that out.

Let’s take a look at the offense first.  The Cards obviously need the most help on this side of the ball and honestly I could see them address any position here, even those many might not consider a great need, such as running back or tight end.

QB – Cards won’t go here.  Market isn’t strong enough

RB – Many have suggested maybe Michael Turner, recently released by the Atlanta Falcons.  I say no.  Personally I’m not sure why the Falcons let him walk?  I realize some of it is to clear cap however some of it has to be the inconsistent production.  I just don’t think he fits what the Cards are trying to do.  There are really no huge names here either. Dark horses could be Shonn Greene or Justin Forsett.

WR – The biggest names on the market want way too much money, such as Mike Wallace.  Rule him out.  The Cards are in dire need of another guy in the corps with Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts, and Michael Floyd.  With Early Doucet hopefully on his way out, maybe a guy like Louis Murphy or Brian Hartline could fill that void?  Just a guess..complete guess.

OL – The biggest names here, like Ryan Clady, are most likely re-signing with their own teams.  There really aren’t any good options in free agency.  Cards should address their OL issue in the draft.

TE – This position is an interesting one.  They need to find someone to replace the loss of Todd Heap.  Rob Housler still has some things to prove, mainly consistency in production.  I could see the Cards finding a TE in free agency, although their are some very draftable tight ends as well.  Dustin Keller is a good option.  Again, just a guess

Defense:

LB – I have heard the name Shaun Phillips come up in relation to the Cards.  I say forget it.  He’ll be another Joey Porter.  The Cards don’t need to get older right now.  Connor Barwin is available and might be the best option.  It will be interesting to see where he lands.

CB – Resigning Greg Toler would not be a bad option.  The issue will be how much he wants to get paid.  Antonie Cason is a free agent and a return to the state of Arizona might be exciting.

S – Louis Delmas is on the market here but I’d be surprised if Detroit doesn’t try to re-sign him.  Still, at his age, might be a good signing. Re-signing Rashad Johnson also would not hurt my feelings.  He really started coming on in the second half of the season.

There are a ton of free agents out there.  Most names outside of the rumors I’ve heard are complete guesses but some of the best available at their positions.  I don’t expect the Cardinals to make huge splashes in free agency however they will make a little noise.  They need to bring in some new veteran players with the mix of rookies they plan on drafting in the greatest areas of need.