The Cardinals doubled their win total in 2024, finishing the year with eight victories after back-to-back four win seasons. It's a step in the right direction for the Cardinals as general manager Monti Ossenfort is set to improve the team heading into 2025. While Ossenfort is credited for piecing together strong draft classes, the organization will take its swing at free agency first.

Other free agent primers: OLB, TE, QB, Secondary, Special Teams, RB, ILB, WR, OL

Cap hit of players under contract for 2025 (via OverTheCap.com): Justin Jones ($11,330,000), Bilal Nichols ($7,815,000), Darius Robinson ($3,152,120), Dante Stills ($1,063,333), P.J. Mustipher ($960,000), Anthony Goodlow ($840,000)

Analysis: By bringing in Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols, and drafting Darius Robinson in the first round, the Cardinals invested in their defensive line before the 2024 season began. Similar to the year prior, injuries plagued the unit. Jones, Nichols, and Robinson played a combined 15 games and the three were never on the field at the same time. Jonathan Gannon said he has belief in Jones and Nichols and is expecting a big jump for Robinson as he enters his second season.

Roy Lopez and L.J. Collier headline the handful of defensive linemen scheduled to hit the market next week. Naquan Jones and Khyiris Tonga also have expiring contracts. It wouldn't come as a surprise if the Cardinals opt to re-sign some of them considering they've each received praise from the coaching staff. Gannon previously said if "you had 90 Roys you'd be good to go."

Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis likes to keep the group fresh and consistently rotates in different players. That's how Dante Stills, a 2023 sixth-rounder, has managed to find a valuable role on the team. Depth is needed at the position and considering the recent history of injuries to the room, the Cardinals should add multiple pieces.

The 2025 draft class is loaded with talented defensive lineman and edge rushers. Multiple mock drafts project the Cardinals to add to the group, but they'll look to attack free agency first.

Notable past free agent defensive lineman signings: Jones (2024); Nichols (2024); Collier (2023); J.J. Watt (2021); Jordan Phillips (2020); Darius Philon (2019); Corey Peters (2015); Cory Redding (2015); Frostee Rucker (2013); Bryan Robinson (2008); Kendrick Clancy (2006); Chike Okeafor (2005); Bertrand Berry (2004); Clyde Simmons (1994).