Cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) said he's narrowed his free-agent destination choices to the Cardinals, Cowboys and Jets.
Unlike the rest of the NFL, where big trades came down and players swapped teams, the first day of free agency was officially pretty quiet for the Cardinals
None of the oft-reported deals with players were announced by the team and only the addition of recently released linebacker was finished. But this isn't unlike the Cardinals, who didn't have any announcements on the first day of free agency the past two years only to unload their list of new additions the next day. Two years ago, it was a class featuring Drew Stanton, Jerraud Powers and Rashad Mendenhall. Last year, it was Jared Veldheer. That scenario remains a possibility this year, with various outlets reporting Tuesday that the team has agreed to a five-year deal with 49ers guard Mike Iupati even though the team has yet to acknowledge it.
The wait also continues after multiple weekend reports that the Cardinals will get Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and Falcons defensive tackle Corey Peters. Players must not only sign the contract but also pass physicals to finalize any deal.
The Cardinals also are expected to get visits from center A.Q. Shipley and defensive end Cory Redding, both former Colts and players coach Bruce Arians is familiar with after his season coaching Indianapolis. Redding had been considering retirement.
They are also supposed to get a visit from Redskins outside linebacker Brian Orakpo, although Orakpo is first visiting the Titans.
All players directly impact areas of need the Cardinals had coming into the offseason. General Manager Steve Keim has been trying to build up the offensive line since he arrived, and coach Bruce Arians wants to improve the speed of the defense, in particular the linebacker corps.
Not all players signed in free agency are expected to come in and start either. Like the addition of Ted Larsen a year ago, who was signed for depth and played when Lyle Sendlein and Jonathan Cooper suffered injuries, Keim wants to strengthen the entirety of the roster.
As for the Cardinals' own free agents, cornerback Antonio Cromartie left the door open to a return to Arizona, saying in various interviews Tuesday his choices were down to the Cardinals, Cowboys and Jets. His family's best interests are the biggest factor, Cromartie said, above even winning.
Asked about being reunited with fellow free agent Darrelle Revis and the Jets, Cromartie told ESPN's 'First Take' that a team "can't pay two corners."
"Is it financially logical? And does any organization want to put that much money into a secondary?" Cromartie added.
Given that the Cardinals already have sunk considerable money into Patrick Peterson, it would stand to reason Cromartie might see the same situation in Arizona.
Nose tackle Dan Williams is reportedly visiting the Raiders. His price tag is expected to exceed what the Cardinals would want to pay to bring him back.
