Cardinals set up well for NFL Draft with free-agency approach

The Arizona Cardinals are spending money in free agency largely to strengthen their defense, a smart strategy by general manager Monti Ossenfort that puts the team in position to upgrade the offense significantly in the NFL Draft.

In 2023, Arizona's defense ranked near the bottom of the league in many categories, including yards per game (355.7 YPG, 25th) and points per game (26.8, 31st).

Among Arizona's notable free-agent additions is cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, who agreed to a three-year, $25.5M contract. Despite a slight dip in performance last season with the Titans, Murphy-Bunting has a solid track record, including an impressive 80.9 coverage grade in 2022, per Pro Football Focus. 

On the interior line, the Cardinals have agreed to terms with defensive tackles Bilal Nichols (formerly Raiders) and Justin Jones (formerly Bears). Nichols, who agreed to a three-year, $21M deal, offers durability and size at 6-foot-3 and 313 pounds. 

Jones, meanwhile, commanded a higher price tag (three years, $31.1M), but his ability as a pass-rusher enticed Arizona. He had 4.5 sacks and 22 QB pressures in 2023, but questions linger over his versatility and ability to defend against the run.

Nonetheless, both players represent significant upgrades for a defensive line that ranked 30th in sacks (33) in 2023.

Mack Wilson, who rounds out Arizona's free-agent additions on defense, brings versatility and athleticism to the linebacking corps. Wilson started only one game for New England's stout defense last season, registering 3.5 sacks and 11 pressures.

Wilson excels in coverage — he had an above-average 86.9 grade in coverage last season, per PFF —and his three-year, $12.75M contract is a bargain. He will likely play alongside or behind Kyzir White and Krys Barnes as an off-ball linebacker.

Overall, the Cardinals' strategic moves in free agency signal a concerted effort to address deficiencies on defense, particularly in run defense, third-down efficiency and pass rush — all of which ranked near the bottom of the NFL. 

In the draft, expect the Cardinals to target wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 overall pick and potentially address offensive line or cornerback with the No. 27 pick. 

By bolstering their defense with quality starters during free agency, the Cardinals can shore up offensive weaknesses early in the draft and target defensive players in later rounds.