Cardinals officially sign former Los Angeles Chargers DT Darius Philon
Mar 21, 2019, 2:12 PM | Updated: 2:19 pm
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) scores a touchdown in front of Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Darius Philon (93) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
(AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Arizona Cardinals have officially agreed to a deal with former Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Darius Philon.
Philon’s contract is for two years and $10 million with half of that guaranteed. It can bump to $12 million with incentives, according to NFL Network.
The New England Patriots and Chargers were also attempting to sign Philon, reports 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro.
The 25-year-old started in 13 games for Los Angeles in 2018 and recorded 33 tackles with 4.0 sacks and a forced fumble.
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At 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds, Philon should provide immediate impact as Arizona has yet to fill in the depth chart at tackle. Veteran Corey Peters returns to play for the first year in defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s 3-4 defense, but beyond that there are questions.
Tackle Robert Nkemdiche enters a contract year coming off knee surgery on a torn ACL in December. He is unlikely to be going full bore by the start of training camp.
Defensive end Cameron Malveaux and tackles Vincent Valentine and Pasoni Tasini return and will provide depth.
The Cardinals could also add defensive line bodies in the NFL Draft. Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa and Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams are both options as Arizona holds the No. 1 pick.
In free agency, the Cardinals lost end Olsen Pierre, who signed with the New York Giants, while tackle Rodney Gunter remains a free agent.
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