Pasch Ponders Free Agency Period
Just like the previous two seasons, the Arizona Cardinals figure to be aggressive when the free agency period begins. The Cards, like in 2002 and 2003, will likely target a couple of big name players, and also look to improve the "belly" of the roster, by signing some players that can fit into a rotation, and help out on special teams. Rod Graves did a tremendous job resigning current players whose contracts were up during the season. With most of the decisions made on players from last year's team, the Cardinals can focus on players from other squads. Let's take a look at some marquee names available, and whether the Cards might be interested.
DEFENSE
The Cardinals need a top shelf cornerback, and whether that comes from free agency or the draft remains to be seen. Adrian Wilson might be better suited as a corner than a safety, and despite management's desire to see Wilson get a shot at CB during the 2003 season, the previous coaching staff balked at the idea. It would have been nice going into the off-season knowing whether Wilson could make the switch. David Barrett should have taken the Cardinals offer during the season, because his play last year shouldn't warrant a big contract from anybody, including Arizona. The other issue is the health of Duane Starks, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, was hurt for much of his first season in Arizona, and wasn't a huge factor when he was healthy.
It might be more difficult to pry Chris McAlister away from Baltimore, Charles Woodson from Oakland, or Champ Bailey from Washington, so a player like Antoine Winfield of Buffalo could be more realistic. Winfield plays the run very well, even though he's a small corner. Winfield might be the next best free agent cornerback. Other names include Fernando Bryant of Jacksonville, David Macklin from Indy, Ahmed Plummer or Jason Webster from San Francisco, Seattle's Shawn Springs, and the Eagles Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor.
The Cardinals still need help on the defensive line. Defensive end Calvin Pace should improve this year. Dennis Johnson made great strides last year, and hopefully Kyle Vanden Bosch will make an impact after missing last season with a knee injury. Still, there are some quality defensive ends available if the Cards can land one. Jevon Kearse's injury questions may not be worth his price tag, and Darren Howard was franchised recently by New Orleans. Denver's Bert Berry came on last year, and would be a nice addition to any team. The Rams would love to re-sign Grant Wistrom. Second tier defensive ends include Carolina's Al Wallace, Detroit's James Hall, KC's Eric Hicks, Seattle's Lamar King and San Fran's Chidi Ahanotu. Miami's Adewale Ogunleye is a terrific player, but is a restricted free agent. Available defensive tackles include Tampa's Warren Sapp, Cornelius Griffin of the Giants, Tennessee's Robaire Smith, New England's Ted Washington, and Chicago's Keith Traylor. The Cardinals need to acquire a big time defensive tackle either through free agency or the draft.
OFFENSE
The Cardinals could use a veteran quarterback who is willing to be a backup. The Titans Billy Volek might be the best of the bunch, but he will probably go to a place where he can start. None of the other names on the unrestricted free agent list have as much talent as Preston Parsons, the current Cards backup, so Arizona might be better off with a youthful group of signal callers.
The Cardinals will be in a position to draft a receiver, and they are already very young at that position, so don't be surprised if Arizona targets a veteran receiver in free agency. Terrell Owens and Darrell Jackson are the biggest names on the list. Other unrestricted free agents that may be of interest to the Cardinals include Cleveland's Dennis Northcutt and Chicago's Dez White.
The Cards have spent a lot of money on the offensive line, but they still need help there. Sixth -ound draft pick Reggie Wells might make a good right guard, with the ability to replace Anthony Clement at right tackle, if Clement struggles again this year. Available guards include the Bears Chris Villarial, Adam Timmerman from the Rams, Tampa's Cosey Coleman, Carolina's Jeno James, and the Eagles Bobbie Williams.
Just like the previous two seasons, the Arizona Cardinals figure to be aggressive when the free agency period begins. The Cards, like in 2002 and 2003, will likely target a couple of big name players, and also look to improve the "belly" of the roster, by signing some players that can fit into a rotation, and help out on special teams. Rod Graves did a tremendous job resigning current players whose contracts were up during the season. With most of the decisions made on players from last year's team, the Cardinals can focus on players from other squads. Let's take a look at some marquee names available, and whether the Cards might be interested.
DEFENSE
The Cardinals need a top shelf cornerback, and whether that comes from free agency or the draft remains to be seen. Adrian Wilson might be better suited as a corner than a safety, and despite management's desire to see Wilson get a shot at CB during the 2003 season, the previous coaching staff balked at the idea. It would have been nice going into the off-season knowing whether Wilson could make the switch. David Barrett should have taken the Cardinals offer during the season, because his play last year shouldn't warrant a big contract from anybody, including Arizona. The other issue is the health of Duane Starks, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, was hurt for much of his first season in Arizona, and wasn't a huge factor when he was healthy.
It might be more difficult to pry Chris McAlister away from Baltimore, Charles Woodson from Oakland, or Champ Bailey from Washington, so a player like Antoine Winfield of Buffalo could be more realistic. Winfield plays the run very well, even though he's a small corner. Winfield might be the next best free agent cornerback. Other names include Fernando Bryant of Jacksonville, David Macklin from Indy, Ahmed Plummer or Jason Webster from San Francisco, Seattle's Shawn Springs, and the Eagles Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor.
The Cardinals still need help on the defensive line. Defensive end Calvin Pace should improve this year. Dennis Johnson made great strides last year, and hopefully Kyle Vanden Bosch will make an impact after missing last season with a knee injury. Still, there are some quality defensive ends available if the Cards can land one. Jevon Kearse's injury questions may not be worth his price tag, and Darren Howard was franchised recently by New Orleans. Denver's Bert Berry came on last year, and would be a nice addition to any team. The Rams would love to re-sign Grant Wistrom. Second tier defensive ends include Carolina's Al Wallace, Detroit's James Hall, KC's Eric Hicks, Seattle's Lamar King and San Fran's Chidi Ahanotu. Miami's Adewale Ogunleye is a terrific player, but is a restricted free agent. Available defensive tackles include Tampa's Warren Sapp, Cornelius Griffin of the Giants, Tennessee's Robaire Smith, New England's Ted Washington, and Chicago's Keith Traylor. The Cardinals need to acquire a big time defensive tackle either through free agency or the draft.
OFFENSE
The Cardinals could use a veteran quarterback who is willing to be a backup. The Titans Billy Volek might be the best of the bunch, but he will probably go to a place where he can start. None of the other names on the unrestricted free agent list have as much talent as Preston Parsons, the current Cards backup, so Arizona might be better off with a youthful group of signal callers.
The Cardinals will be in a position to draft a receiver, and they are already very young at that position, so don't be surprised if Arizona targets a veteran receiver in free agency. Terrell Owens and Darrell Jackson are the biggest names on the list. Other unrestricted free agents that may be of interest to the Cardinals include Cleveland's Dennis Northcutt and Chicago's Dez White.
The Cards have spent a lot of money on the offensive line, but they still need help there. Sixth -ound draft pick Reggie Wells might make a good right guard, with the ability to replace Anthony Clement at right tackle, if Clement struggles again this year. Available guards include the Bears Chris Villarial, Adam Timmerman from the Rams, Tampa's Cosey Coleman, Carolina's Jeno James, and the Eagles Bobbie Williams.
Good luck to him.
