MadCards Way Too Early 2025 offseason plan

[Shane]

If we don't drastically improve our front 7 on D, none of the above will matter. Give me high-impact players rather than depth.

I just want to thank you for not saying “big John” hallelujah!

 

[MadCardDisease]

Oh that's all? Here's a tool to get you started. Very little out there at Edge under 29 who played a majority of their team's snaps this year.

Yes I obviously know that site as I have linked it in many of my posts. I get what you are saying that there isn't much available in FA. Also we don't know who will actually be available at this point which is why I left out names. However what I'm suggesting is adding 3 solid veteran players via FA. I don't think that is a big ask.

As for the Edge rusher I'm not asking for a big name elite edge rusher. I want an 8-10 sack guy and it doesn't have to be a young player. I'm fine with a 2 year deal on a vet in their early 30s. I think the Cards need a solid vet Edge presence until one of the young guys develop.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

At least you are trying to think of a reasonable plan. 99% of the board are Underpants Gnomes

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[BritCard]

One of our 3 good defensive players. Fantastic

White is overrated. There's loads of effort there and he's a team first guy and fans love all that, but as a player he's average.

Good downhill tackler, average at best in other aspects.

I'd be happy to resign him at $6m but it's certainly somewhere we could upgrade.

 

[football karma]

in the FWIW category;

various people employed by the team: Wolf, Pasch, KVB have all commented that improving the offensive line should be a priority this offseason ( along with pass rush / d line, etc )

I find it interesting in that this is a group most likely to have gotten that from the staff / FO

 

[Chris_Sanders]

in the FWIW category;

various people employed by the team: Wolf, Pasch, KVB have all commented that improving the offensive line should be a priority this offseason ( along with pass rush / d line, etc )

I find it interesting in that this is a group most likely to have gotten that from the staff / FO

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[kerouac9]

Yes I obviously know that site as I have linked it in many of my posts. I get what you are saying that there isn't much available in FA. Also we don't know who will actually be available at this point which is why I left out names. However what I'm suggesting is adding 3 solid veteran players via FA. I don't think that is a big ask.

As for the Edge rusher I'm not asking for a big name elite edge rusher. I want an 8-10 sack guy and it doesn't have to be a young player. I'm fine with a 2 year deal on a vet in their early 30s. I think the Cards need a solid vet Edge presence until one of the young guys develop.

At those positions? It depends what you mean by "solid veteran players." That list isn't likely to grow longer.

Can we get players of the Bilial Nichols variety? Yes. Are there players available who are 8-10 sack guys in their early 30s? You've seen the list. If you don't like any of those names, it's extremely unlikely more palatable options will appear between now and March.

So, it probably is a big ask.

 

[football karma]

Sign a solid Edge Rusher

we have all discussed Reddick, who is 31 (man, does time fly)

Josh Sweat, 28 Good but not great sack numbers.

Darrell Taylor is 27, had decent years with SEA, but they let him walk. A rotational guy in Chicago this year

not a lot to choose from

 

[MadCardDisease]

At those positions? It depends what you mean by "solid veteran players." That list isn't likely to grow longer.

Can we get players of the Bilial Nichols variety? Yes. Are there players available who are 8-10 sack guys in their early 30s? You've seen the list. If you don't like any of those names, it's extremely unlikely more palatable options will appear between now and March.

So, it probably is a big ask.

Again I'm not saying it's going to be easy and we are talking every team is looking for a Pass Rusher. So the competition is going to be fierce for these guys. Plus most of the guys available will have some sort of red flags attached.

Interesting names that are currently slated to be FA as of now:

Haason Reddick $$$
Josh Sweat $$$
Chase Young $$
Dayo Odeyingbo $$
Matt Judon $$
Malcolm Koonce $ (injured during the preseason)

 

[GatorAZ]

Only way I would be kind of fine with OT in the first round:

1. OT is still a premium position. We also have to deal with the likes of Bosa, Verse, & the Seattle EDGEs. I could see SF drafting a EDGE in the 1st round as well. Two bookend Tackles would be nice.

2. Beachum is close to retirement & Jonah has 1 year left on his deal. Getting injured twice in the same season could raise future concerns.

3. This could ease the transition for the/a young QB after Kyler.

4. They go Front-7 heavy the next 2-3 rounds.

My first choice? Nah. However, I don’t think it would be the worst thing in the world.

Wouldn’t be shocked if Campbell or Banks slip to our pick.

 

[DVontel]

Wouldn’t be shocked if Campbell or Banks slip to our pick.

I think Campbell is a Guard, tbh.

Both of the Texas Tackles worry me.

I like Simmons the most despite coming off of injury.

 

[football karma]

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i get the frustration, but:

Monti has taken a LT high in the draft, signed for good $$ a RT, and found a solid C in FA and extended him

both Guard spots are ? right now -- and with Kyler at QB, I think G-C-G have added importance

 

[MadCardDisease]

I like Simmons the most despite coming off of injury.

Yes I'm super high on Simmons as well. He is very athletic for a big guy and I love his footwork. He is strong in the running game which is why I think he is a perfect fit for the Cardinals. If he doesn't get injured I think he is easily a top ten pick.

 

[Redsz]

in the FWIW category;

various people employed by the team: Wolf, Pasch, KVB have all commented that improving the offensive line should be a priority this offseason ( along with pass rush / d line, etc )

I find it interesting in that this is a group most likely to have gotten that from the staff / FO

Definatley at guard atleast as Hernandez will be a question mark coming off a serious leg injury.

Isiah Adams is looking really good as a run blocker but seems to get beat quite alot in pass blocking. Also could see a RT given how much time Jonah Williams missed with injuries.

Pressure up the middle really killed us against the Seahawks. Need to find a personnel or scheme change to mitigate that in some way.

 

[TheCardFan]

How many DTs do you expect to make the opening day roster? They kept six defensive linemen last year. I think we're all hoping four come back (Jones, Nichols, Collier, Stills). Plus Robinson is five. So one guy you expect to stick and another couple camp bodies/competition?

Not sure Collier comes back. Career full of injuries and meh performance.

Nichols and Jones coming back should be an auto upgrade.
Not sure if they will consider Robinson a DT or DE (thinking DE).
Either way - we need a big a** NT that can stop the run and rush the passer - be disruptive.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Nichols and Jones coming back should be an auto upgrade.

why would you assume these would be an auto upgrade? the defensive line was woeful early in the season while they were on the field and significantly improved once they were injured.

 

[cardpa]

Lopez is a fine backup - we need above average starters, not building the underbelly. We have plenty of underbelly.

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The Cardinal underbelly.

 

[Stout]

I just want to thank you for not saying “big John” hallelujah!

I just did in another thread

 

[TheCardFan]

why would you assume these would be an auto upgrade? the defensive line was woeful early in the season while they were on the field and significantly improved once they were injured.

Based on the fact they have a track record of success in the NFL vs the three street free agents we had in there (Lopez, Naquan, and Tonga).
Nichols and Jones were brought here and paid big bucks, so they obviously fit the system and profile. Given a year to work in our system with JG coaching them up...that is my expectation that these two guys can play better than street free agents.

 

[Stout]

Based on the fact they have a track record of success in the NFL vs the three street free agents we had in there (Lopez, Naquan, and Tonga).
Nichols and Jones were brought here and paid big bucks, so they obviously fit the system and profile. Given a year to work in our system with JG coaching them up...that is my expectation that these two guys can play better than street free agents.

We hope. The defense improved when they went out and those street FAs stepped in, though. The thought that Nichols and Jones will be as impactful as needed is possible but fueled by hope more than anything.

 

[BritCard]

Again I'm not saying it's going to be easy and we are talking every team is looking for a Pass Rusher. So the competition is going to be fierce for these guys. Plus most of the guys available will have some sort of red flags attached.

Interesting names that are currently slated to be FA as of now:

Haason Reddick $$$
Josh Sweat $$$
Chase Young $$
Dayo Odeyingbo $$
Matt Judon $$
Malcolm Koonce $ (injured during the preseason)

Yeah it sucks.

Only guys there I'd consider are Young, for no more than he was paid this year. And Koonce, who was an ascending player before his injury and who I think would offer good value (if healthy).

Reddick is washed, Sweat will get overpaid for what he is (Which is Reddick Lite) Odeyingbo is no better than what we have and Judon is old. I'd be fine with Judon on a short deal though TBF, age doesn't bother me so much if they can play still and he'd be a clear upgrade.

 

[BritCard]

Not sure Collier comes back. Career full of injuries and meh performance.

Nichols and Jones coming back should be an auto upgrade.
Not sure if they will consider Robinson a DT or DE (thinking DE).
Either way - we need a big a** NT that can stop the run and rush the passer - be disruptive.

It will be interesting to see what they do at DT because I think they may see it a lot differently to us.

Stills is an obvious keeper. Nichols and Jones are locked in because of their contracts. Robinson for obvious reasons, and they seem to love Lopez and he played pretty well so you would think they resign him. Leaving just 1 roster spot.

If they resign Lopez and Collier that suggests they expect a big leap from Robinson and don't think they need to sign anyone else.

 

[Stout]

It will be interesting to see what they do at DT because I think they may see it a lot differently to us.

Stills is an obvious keeper. Nichols and Jones are locked in because of their contracts. Robinson for obvious reasons, and they seem to love Lopez and he played pretty well so you would think they resign him. Leaving just 1 roster spot.

If they resign Lopez and Collier that suggests they expect a big leap from Robinson and don't think they need to sign anyone else.

I liked this post because I agree with your analysis but do not agree with the team's likely analysis. We'll be doomed to another season of no push up the middle and shaky run D.

 

[BritCard]

I liked this post because I agree with your analysis but do not agree with the team's likely analysis. We'll be doomed to another season of no push up the middle and shaky run D.

I would personally draft a DT high, because you can get out of Nichols and Jones next year and smart GM's draft for the future, not now. And for this reason I think they likely will draft a DT. I think they go Edge in round 1 and DT in 2. I can see they having a huge crush for Jalon Walker who has inside/outside capability and is very good at both. I could see why they see Micah Parsons potential there.

If we could come away with Jalon Walker and Deone Walker in the first 2 rounds I'd be ecstatic. Deone is currently getting round 2 looks in draft circles but I think he goes higher sadly.

But I don't think it's as cut and dried as we think it is.

 

[Stout]

I would personally draft a DT high, because you can get out of Nichols and Jones next year and smart GM's draft for the future, not now. And for this reason I think they likely will draft a DT. I think they go Edge in round 1 and DT in 2. I can see they having a huge crush for Jalon Walker who has inside/outside capability and is very good at both. I could see why they see Micah Parsons potential there.

If we could come away with Jalon Walker and Deone Walker in the first 2 rounds I'd be ecstatic. Deone is currently getting round 2 looks in draft circles but I think he goes higher sadly.

But I don't think it's as cut and dried as we think it is.

I am down for Edge/DT in rounds 1 and 2.