After finishing his first season as a head coach with a 4-13 record, Jonathan Gannon said that while he was pleased with the teams’ fight, it simply wasn’t good enough. Now that those in the locker room and throughout the league have an idea how a Gannon-Monti Ossenfort regime operates, they'll look to build a playoff contender through free agency and the draft. The new league year begins on March 13, and with that comes free agency. Here's the fourth of 11 position breakdowns.
Free Agent primer schedule: ILB Feb. 23; ST Feb. 24; WR Feb. 26; CB March 4; RB March 5; S March 6; TE March 7, OLB March 8
Cap hit of players under contract for 2024 (via OverTheCap.com): Kyzir White ($6,750,000), Owen Pappoe ($976,245), Trevor Nowaske ($915,000), Tyreek Maddox-Williams ($915,000)
Scheduled free agents: Ezekiel Turner, Josh Woods, Krys Barnes
Need: Medium
Analysis: When Kyzir White came to the Valley, following Jonathan Gannon and Nick Rallis from Philadelphia, he brought a level of intensity and scheme familiarity that helped the entire defense. There was also a level of toughness. In Week 1, although a flag was thrown, White leveled Commanders quarterback Sam Howell along the sidelines. He also played multiple snaps with a torn bicep. Even though he missed 7 games, White still finished the season as the Cardinals leading tackler with 90.
Once he was placed on injured reserve, it was evident how much the Cardinals missed him. Josh Woods and Krys Barnes got time in White's absence, their experience serving as the green dot valuable.
The reasoning behind this being a medium need as opposed to high is because of White's consistency. Up until he walked off the field with the injury in Houston, he didn't skip a single snap. Assuming that Rallis doesn't drastically change the scheme, White will likely see the field an equal amount. It's just yet to be determined whether they bring back Woods and/or Barnes or if they'll add a new face to the room.
Notable past free agent inside linebacker signings: White (2023); De'Vondre Campbell (2020); Jordan Hicks (2019); Josh Bynes (2017); Karlos Dansby (2017); LaMarr Woodley (2015); Larry Foote (2014); Dansby (2013); Paris Lenon (2010); Seth Joyner (1994).
A look at some of the top off-ball linebackers across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) celebrates his sack on Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (2) prepares to rush during their NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Denver Broncos linebacker Josey Jewell (47) tackles New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott of an NFL football game Sunday December 24, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (6) in action during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024 (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman (53) in action during the second half of the NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) gets set during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 18, 2023 in Seattle. The Seahawks won 20-17. (AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) returns a 12-yard interception for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White (45) intercepts the ball during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay (50) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
