With the trade deadline on Nov. 5 fast approaching, the Arizona Cardinals are in discussions with teams across the league, exploring options to address a pressing need for pass-rushing support, according to The Athletic’s Mike Jones.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Jones noted, “NFC front-runner Detroit needs pass-rushing help with Aidan Hutchinson lost to injury for the season. Atlanta, which leads the NFC South, also needs help at edge rusher. Arizona, which remains in the thick of things in the NFC West, also has been calling teams in search of pass-rushing help.”
One potential trade target is Jadeveon Clowney of the Carolina Panthers, the 2014 draft’s first overall pick. Clowney, who made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances with the Texans from 2016-2018, has since had stints with the Seahawks, Titans, Browns, Ravens, and now the Panthers. In six games this season, the 31-year-old has posted nine solo tackles. With the Panthers in a rebuilding phase, Clowney could be an appealing trade chip for a team in playoff contention, making Arizona a plausible destination.
Regarding Clowney, Jones wrote, “A high-level pass rusher can turn a good defense into a great defense, and teams with championship aspirations could look to make a move at the deadline to increase their chances of achieving their goals this postseason.”
The Cardinals’ need for pass-rushing depth intensified after a string of significant injuries. Outside linebacker BJ Ojulari was lost to a season-ending knee injury during training camp, while fellow linebacker Dennis Gardeck tore his ACL. Additionally, starting defensive linemen Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols are now on injured reserve, leaving Arizona’s defense dangerously thin at key positions.
Currently ranked 26th in the league with only 1.9 sacks per game, the Cardinals’ pass rush has struggled to apply consistent pressure. Nevertheless, Arizona’s 4-4 record has them atop the NFC West, positioning them as a potential playoff contender. With the trade deadline approaching, one would assume that GM Monti Ossenfort and the rest of the Cardinals’ front office are interested in making a move.
