GLENDALE – It’s less than two weeks remove from the start of NFL free agency, and the market is starting to slow as all the premier free agents are off the table. The Arizona Cardinals entered the offseason with a goal to improve its defense, and on paper it knocked it out of the park. General manager Monti Ossenfort signed multiple talented defensive playmakers to help improve a lackluster front seven in 2024. Pro Football Focus writer Mason Cameron rated every NFL teams’ best and worst deal made during free agency.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Cameron started with the Cardinals and had a no-brainer pick and a selection that on face value is puzzling.
Best: Josh Sweat four years for $76.4 million
Josh Sweat speaks to members of the media at the Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on March 13, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Cameron wrote:
“Jonathan Gannon, Sweat’s defensive coordinator in Philadelphia during his breakout season in 2022, will help create a seamless transition for Sweat, who should instantly boost a Cardinals defense that ranked 31st in team PFF pass-rush grade last season (58.5).”
Sweat was widely considered the Cardinals’ number one target in free agency, as signing a premier edge rusher was essential for the franchise. Cameron pointed out Arizona’s abysmal pass rush last season, and with Sweat reuniting with his former defensive coordinator, that will certainly change. PFF rated the deal above average and certainly an understandable high cost for a quality player like Sweat.
Worst: L.J. Collier one year for $3 million
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end L.J. Collier (91) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cameron explained:
“Despite marginal contract costs, bringing back Collier after his struggles in the desert leaves something to be desired. While the Cardinals may have been priced out of the top of the market (Milton Williams), they held the requisite cap space to upgrade the interior and find a starting-caliber 5-technique, preferably one who could stand up against the run.”
While the contract is minimal in Arizona’s overall cap space, resigning Collier was questionable. Collier did play in all 17 games, being one of the few players on the Cardinals’ defense to stay healthy. In his 17 appearances, Collier records four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 29 tackles. Regardless, the 29-year-old defensive tackle didn’t help improve a struggling run defense last year.
There was hope for the franchise to seek out an established defensive lineman to solidify the D-line, but Arizona couldn’t find an upgrade. Collier is only due $3 million and could always be due for a more productive 2025.
Cardinals biggest need entering the 2025 NFL Draft revealed by PFF
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
