National Football League

Cardinals looking for linebackers, running back in free agency

Published Mar. 9, 2015 11:36 a.m. ET

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TEMPE, Ariz. -- At a press conference to discuss his and coach Bruce Arians' contact extensions recently, Cardinals GM Steve Keim made it clear he had a plan for the start of free agency.

"Before we get to March 10 we have to make sure we're able to be proactive and aggressive, which is always going to be our philosophy," he said.

The Cardinals have restructured receiver Larry Fitzgerald's contract, and quarterback Carson Palmer has agreed to do the same. They have released defensive tackle Darnell Dockett and receiver Ted Ginn and made a host of other decisions to prepare for free agency. 

The time has come. Free agency opens Tuesday at 1 p.m., and according to multiple reports, the Cardinals were very busy during the free-agent negotiating period the past three days.

Among their first steps, according to multiple reports, will be to sign three-time Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati of the San Francisco 49ers and inside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon of the Atlanta Falcons. Iupati, a five-year pro, is rated as one of the NFL's premier run blockers. He's made his reputation as a left guard, the same side Jonathan Cooper plays on.

Here is a look at six areas the Cards could address, keeping in mind they could also address these needs in the NFL Draft in April.

Why is it a need? John Abraham all but retired unexpectedly at the start of last season, and the Cardinals never replaced his consistent rush off the edge. Alex Okafor came on to post eight sacks, but Matt Shaughnessy is a run stuffer and edge setter without remarkable pass-rushing skills. Sam Acho is a free agent, while Lorenzo Alexander looks like a valuable depth player.

Who is available? Pass rushers are tough to find in free agency. Everybody wants them, so they normally don't become available unless they are past their prime. The Bears reportedly outbid the Cardinals for Pernell McPhee, but Washington's Brian Orakpo, Philadelphia's Brandon Graham and Trent Cole (a converted defensive end) and Pittsburgh's Jason Worilds are possibilities, per published reports.

Why is it a need? Daryl Washington can file for reinstatement from his one-year (at least) suspension for violating the league's policy on substance abuse, but there is still that domestic incident for which he will likely be suspended. Larry Foote is leaning toward retirement and joining the Cards' coaching staff, and Kevin Minter still hasn't shown why the Cardinals spent a second-round pick on him. Kenny Demens and Glenn Carson look like depth guys. There is great need here.  

Who is available? Multiple reports have the Cardinals agreeing to a one-year deal with former Falcon Sean Weatherspoon. The one-year deal has been a staple of Keim's era -- a method for drawing the most out of a veteran who is playing for another contract. Weatherspoon (6-2, 244) has an injury history in his four years of NFL experience and 290 combined tackles.

Why is it a need? When Jonathan Dwyer was suspended indefinitely (a.k.a. permanently), the Cardinals lost the big, physical back they wanted to complement Andre Ellington in the run game. Neither Stepfan Taylor nor Robert Hughes add that dimension.

Who is available? There has been a lot of chatter about the Cardinals possibly swinging a deal for Minnesota's Adrian Peterson, who is still under contract, but even if the Cardinals are his preferred destination -- there are conflicting reports on that -- acquiring Peterson would seem the kind of move that would upset the Cardinals' cap balance while calling into question Ellington's role. Then there is Peterson's baggage to consider.

It doesn't seem to make sense for the Cardinals to go this route. Dallas' DeMarco Murray is three years younger but might cost too much for a player with an injury history who has benefitted from running behind the NFL's top offensive line. The Cards might have to look at a cheaper option. Buffalo's C.J. Spiller is another possibility but doesn't carry quite the heft that Dwyer did.

Why is it a need? The Cardinals got average guard play in 2014 from Paul Fanaika and Ted Larsen and a subpar year from longtime center Lyle Sendlein, who was battling a host of injuries he refuses to disclose. 

Fanaika will test the free-agent waters. The Cardinals have 2013 first-round pick Jonathan Cooper still, but he is entering an important year after missing his rookie season due to a knee injury and struggling through an injury-hampered 2014 season that has some questioning his toughness. The Iupati signing could signal a move to the right side for Cooper.

Who is available? Iupati is at the top of the list of available players at this spot. Oakland's Stefen Wisniewski and Indianapolis' A.Q. Shipley are other reported possibilities. Shipley played for Arians with the Colts in 2012. Larsen can also slide over center if the Cardinals decide to part ways Sendlein, a local product and one of three remaining holdovers from the 2009 Super Bowl team. 

Why is it a need? Antonio Cromartie is testing the free-agent waters. Patrick Peterson is still under contract, Jerraud Powers is capable of filling the starter's role and coach Bruce Arians has mentioned often that Justin Bethel is a starting caliber corner, but you can never have enough depth at this position.

Who is available? There hasn't been much chatter here, so the Cardinals could be addressing this position in the draft. A number of the top corners have reportedly agreed to deals already, but San Francisco's Chris Culliver is available. Chicago's Charles Tillman is an intriguing option on a one-year deal. He has an injury history and he is 34, but he also has big-play potential and could have a chip on his shoulder due to limited interest in his services.

Why is it a need? Darnell Dockett is gone, and the Cardinals aren't likely to re-sign nose tackle Dan Williams. Ed Stinson and Kareem Martin will likely have larger roles next season.

Who is available? There have been reports of the Cardinals interest in Chicago's Stephen Paea. Dallas' Henry Melton is garnering widespread interest. Denver's Terrance Knighton is also available. The Cardinals added some depth on Monday by re-signing restricted free agent nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu to a one-year deal.

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