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 final position breakdown.
Free Agent primer schedule: OLB March 8
Cap hit of players under contract for 2024 (via OverTheCap.com): Zaven Collins ($4,674,172), Dennis Gardeck ($3,766,668), BJ Ojulari ($1,954,003), Cameron Thomas ($1,403,002), Victor Dimukeje ($1,095,465), Jesse Luketa ($985,000), Tyreke Smith ($915,000)
Need: High
Analysis: In the first game of the 2023 campaign against the Commanders, Dennis Gardeck forced a fumble that fellow outside linebacker Cameron Thomas scooped up and leaped into the end zone for a touchdown. At that moment, it looked like the Cardinals would have a surprisingly good pass rush. It didn't turn out that way.
The Cardinals finished near the bottom of the league with 33 sacks. For a defense that prided itself on playing with a high motor and violence, opposing offenses didn't fear the rush. The room doesn't lack depth. That's a positive. Youth and inexperience is the biggest obstacle the unit faces. Thomas, Victor Dimukeje, Jesse Luketa, Tyreke Smith and BJ Ojulari have all played less than two seasons. While Ojulari was the lone rookie in the room, outside linebackers coach Rob Rodriguez compared Zaven Collins to a rookie since he spent the 2023 season adjusting to the new position.
The Cardinals have some pieces already on the roster, but with a handful of free agents on the market, it's an opportunity to be cautiously active and find pieces able to make an impact.
Notable past free agent outside linebacker signings: Devon Kennard (2020); Terrell Suggs (2019); Dwight Freeney (2015); John Abraham (2013); Joey Porter (2010); Clark Haggans (2008); Travis LaBoy (2008);
A look at some of the top edge rushers across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) is defended by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
New England Patriots guard Mike Onwenu (71) battles with New York Jets linebacker Bryce Huff (47) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) celebrates after sacking Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) for a 7-yard loss in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks to pass as Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd (56) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (18) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs against San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young (92) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, left, loses the football as Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) scrambles in front of New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Orchard Park, NY. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is sacked by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Randy Gregory (5) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Bud Dupree (48) works against Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (67) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 29-25. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
