The Cardinals need to upgrade the roster after a poor 2018 season, and while the No. 1 overall pick awaits in April, first comes free agency. General Manager Steve Keim has significant cap space to use for the first time in his tenure and could be aggressive. We will take a look at each position group in the days leading up to free agency, which begins on March 13.
Free agent primer: Defensive Line
Cap hit of players under contract for 2019 (via OverTheCap.com): DT Corey Peters ($4.4 million); DE Robert Nkemdiche ($2.74 million); DT Vincent Valentine ($645,000); DT Pasoni Tasini ($495,000).
Scheduled free agents: DT Rodney Gunter; DE Olsen Pierre (restricted).
Need: High
Images of notable players scheduled to hit the open market
Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh
Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson
Defensive tackle John Jenkins
Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins
Defensive tackle Dan McCullers-Sanders
Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane
Defensive tackle Corey Liuget
Defensive tackle Steve McLendon
Defensive tackle Brandon Dunn
Defensive tackle Michael Pierce
Defensive tackle Mike Pennel
Defensive tackle Domata Peko
Defensive tackle Bennie Logan
Defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks
Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson
Defensive end Dominique Easley
Defensive end Shelby Harris
Defensive end Nick Williams
Defensive end Destiny Vaeao
Defensive end Angelo Blackson
Defensive end Kerry Wynn
Defensive end Mario Edwards, Jr.
Defensive end Josh Mauro
Defensive end Henry Anderson
Defensive end Christian Covington
Defensive end Zach Kerr
Defensive end Brent Urban
Defensive end Allen Bailey
Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah
Defensive end David Irving
Defensive end Vinny Curry
Defensive end Dion Jordan
Defensive end William Hayes
Defensive end Cameron Wake
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (93) reacts after a New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees sack in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Defensive end Michael Johnson
Analysis: Peters, the picture of stability on the line the past few years, is expected to return as the nose tackle. Beyond him, there is fuzziness. Nkemdiche had impressive flashes in 2018 but still lacked overall consistency and then tore his ACL on Dec. 9. It's unknown if he will be ready for the start of the season.
Gunter took a step forward a season ago and could have a strong free agent market. The position group would get a boost if he re-signed, but the asking price could dictate that. Pierre had 5½ sacks in 2017 but regressed in 2018. He fit better in the 3-4 scheme the Cardinals are reverting to, which could be a reason for Pierre to return, but he is a restricted free agent. Valentine and Tasini are depth pieces that will aim to make the team if the Cardinals keep them.
The Cardinals have lost some key players on the defensive line over the past few seasons and are now thin at the position. The group did not fare well against the run last year and will need to get that fixed.
It remains to be seen if Keim makes a high-profile signing here, but an addition or two seems likely because there is not much depth.
Notable past free agent defensive line signings: Peters (2015); Cory Redding (2015); Frostee Rucker (2013); Bryan Robinson (2008); Kendrick Clancy (2006); Chike Okeafor (2005); Bertrand Berry (2004); Clyde Simmons (1994).
