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.
Free Agent primer schedule: Tight Ends Feb. 13, Quarterbacks Feb. 17, Secondary Feb. 19, Specialists Feb. 20, Running Backs Feb. 24, Inside Linebackers Feb. 27, Wide Receivers March 3, Offensive Line March 5, Defensive Line March 6
Cap hit of players under contract for 2024 (via OverTheCap.com): Zaven Collins ($6,040,000), BJ Ojulari ($2,344,804), Xavier Thomas ($1,053,223)
Analysis: Before the 2024 season began, there was an undeniable buzz surrounding second-year pass rusher BJ Ojulari. He flashed at points in 2023 and was set to earn starting snaps. An ACL injury sidelined him for the entire season.
Ojulari's recovery and development is critical for a Cardinals outside linebacker unit that otherwise only has Zaven Collins and Xavier Thomas under contract. Thomas proved he's capable of seeing the field, but admitted he'd hope for more consistency going into his second season.
The Cardinals doubled down on their commitment to Collins as a pass rusher, inking a contract extension before the 2024 campaign began. Collins' second season at the position included an increase in tackles, tackles for loss, quarterback hits, sacks, and forced fumbles.
Whether by re-signing players like Dennis Gardeck or Baron Browning, through free agency, or in a draft class that has plenty of prospects, there's certainly a need to invest in the position.
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
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) tries to avoid the reach of Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Josh Sweat, left, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) gets set during an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Houston Texans, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Houston. (Brooke Sutton via AP)
New York Jets defensive end Haason Reddick (7) rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jets defeated the Jaguars 32 - 25.(Perry Knotts via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young (99) rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Jan 5, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 20-15. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Matthew Judon (15) lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Atlanta. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 44 - 38. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 24-23. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht (97) runs during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Chicago Bears defensive end Darrell Taylor (52) rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Chicago. The Seahawks defeated the Bears 6-3. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (54) rushes on defense during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Titans 38-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
