Last year, we were told by the Cardinal coaches and administrators that the third phase of adding talent and depth to the football team, the June 1st free agent signing period, would be fruitful. When all was said and done...all was said...and virtually nothing was done. As a result, we fans had to endure another entire season of watching subpar defensive linemen get stopped in their tracks on their way to the quarterback...and, on the other side of the ball, an incompetent quarterback squander countless opportunities to move the chains...with no second string quarterback insurance.
If the Cardinals are truly committed to winning, this year's June 1st free agent signing period will yield four to five key additions...additions that may elevate the Cardinals from pretenders to contenders in the NFC West. If the Cardinals throw up another goose egg in this important phase, it most likely will mean another year in the cellar, more sparse crowds and a swan song for the coaching staff.
With over $10M available in cap space, there are no excuses for another dormant signing period. In fact, the Cardinals will most likely be able to add the five players they need for roughly $5M.
The Cardinals are going to have to take some risks in this phase on players with question marks. But the risks are necessary. More than likely management will have to slightly outbid and overpay for this handful of veterans, but by offering one year contracts the Cardinals won't have to jeopardize next year's cap.
A #1 type WR and two pass rushers (ideally one DE and one DT) are desperately needed. A versatile veteran defensive back could be a significant addition as well.
The Cardinals should do the smart thing and add a veteran QB to challenge Josh McCown for the backup QB role. The Cardinals say they want to wait to see what McCown and Parsons look like in camp. That, IMO, is a mistake. Quarterbacks need to be in camp from day one to learn the system and get their timing down with the wide receivers. If McCown and Parsons clearly beat out the veteran in camp, then so be it. The team can waive the veteran.
If the Cardinals are truly committed to winning, this year's June 1st free agent signing period will yield four to five key additions...additions that may elevate the Cardinals from pretenders to contenders in the NFC West. If the Cardinals throw up another goose egg in this important phase, it most likely will mean another year in the cellar, more sparse crowds and a swan song for the coaching staff.
With over $10M available in cap space, there are no excuses for another dormant signing period. In fact, the Cardinals will most likely be able to add the five players they need for roughly $5M.
The Cardinals are going to have to take some risks in this phase on players with question marks. But the risks are necessary. More than likely management will have to slightly outbid and overpay for this handful of veterans, but by offering one year contracts the Cardinals won't have to jeopardize next year's cap.
A #1 type WR and two pass rushers (ideally one DE and one DT) are desperately needed. A versatile veteran defensive back could be a significant addition as well.
The Cardinals should do the smart thing and add a veteran QB to challenge Josh McCown for the backup QB role. The Cardinals say they want to wait to see what McCown and Parsons look like in camp. That, IMO, is a mistake. Quarterbacks need to be in camp from day one to learn the system and get their timing down with the wide receivers. If McCown and Parsons clearly beat out the veteran in camp, then so be it. The team can waive the veteran.