Fansided

5 NFL free agents who could become stars

By Brendon Kleen

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 22: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 22: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 08: Jordan Phillips #97 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Baltimore defeats Buffalo 24-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 08: Jordan Phillips #97 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Baltimore defeats Buffalo 24-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

4. Jordan Phillips, DT, Arizona Cardinals

Another key piece of the dominating Bills defense changes hands here, as Phillips signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Cardinals (specific guarantees have not yet been reported).

Arizona’s run defense has been trouble for years, as veterans Corey Peters and Rodney Gunter offered the only semblance of consistency in the trenches. After finally cutting failed first-round pick Robert Nkemdiche last season, the Cardinals also lost Gunter in free agency this year, making Phillips not only a valuable signing but a needed talent.

Phillips signed a one-year deal with Buffalo to repair his value and turned in a career season in 2019, with 16 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. At 27, Phillips should continue to play at a high level in the coming years. He will join a line that includes Peters and 2019 third-round pick Zach Allen.

Adding more help at the pass-rush position will take offensive attention away from Chandler Jones (imagine an even better Jones!), but Phillips will help there as well. The Cardinals haven’t had a consistent interior pass-rusher since Calais Campbell left in free agency in 2016.

It’s not as if Phillips is Campbell, but that year, with Jones and Campbell together, they combined for 27 quarterback hits. At the same time, Phillips has not played with a pass-rusher like Jones, meaning elite performances from each isn’t out of the question for Arizona’s developing defense.

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