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ARIZONA CARDINALS

What’s left on the Cardinals’ to-do list this free agency?

Of the Arizona Cardinals' most glaring needs, these areas stand out above the rest following a busy day of signings.

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The Arizona Cardinals reeled in a big fish this free agency by agreeing to terms on a four-year deal with former Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Josh Sweat on Monday.

For all the talk of Arizona needing to be aggressive this free agency ahead of a critical third year under the current regime, this move represents a big step in the right direction.

Bringing in a player who accounted for 10.5 sacks and 55 quarterback pressures on his way to a Super Bowl victory has that effect.

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But while most Cardinals fans are singing general manager Monti Ossenfort’s praises after taking the biggest swing of his Arizona tenure, there is still plenty of work to be done this free agency period.

A look at some of the other areas of need for Arizona this legal tampering window ahead of the new league year on Wednesday:

What’s the deal with a Kyzir White-Cardinals reunion this NFL free agency?

In addition to Sweat and inside linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, Arizona inked deals with in-house options Kelvin Beachum, Evan Brown, Baron Browning, Joey Blount and Aaron Brewer.

Bringing back Brown was among the biggest moves in the bunch after starting all 17 games at left guard for the Cardinals in his first season with the franchise.

He’s expected to return to his starting role along the interior and also gives the Cardinals a legit backup center option behind Hjalte Froholdt.

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But while Brown and the others are gearing up for another round in Arizona, the same can’t be said for another starter and MIKE backer Kyzir White.

An underrated part of Arizona’s defense last year, White brought violence and stability to the middle of the defense next to Mack Wilson Sr. He turned in arguably his best season as a pro behind 137 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception and eight QB hits.

If he heads elsewhere this free agency, Arizona’s inside linebacker situation goes from set to question mark.

Beyond Wilson, the Cardinals inside linebackers room features Owen Pappoe and Davis-Gaither, whose signing could very well signal the end to White’s run in Arizona.

Pappoe has the athleticism to hang at the NFL level but hasn’t had consistent defensive snaps since joining the team as a fifth-round draft pick in 2023.

Davis-Gaither meanwhile is coming off 82 tackles across 17 games but hasn’t started more than 11 games in five NFL seasons combined. Can he carry the load left behind by White?

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Help still needed in the Cardinals’ trenches

Sweat undoubtedly moves the needle for Arizona’s defense under coordinator Nick Rallis and his creative scheme.

The work along the defensive line can’t end with him, though.

Interior defensive line is still a need for this franchise, especially after missing out on free agent Milton Williams, who signed with New England on Monday.

As we saw last year, Arizona’s depth was greatly tested with injuries to starters Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols and Darius Robinson. That left a rotation highlighted by L.J. Collier, Dante Stills and Roy Lopez. Both Lopez and Collier are testing free agency this offseason.

Even with Robinson, Nichols and Jones expected back in the mix healthy, depth is needed for a position group that rotates multiple bodies in on the regular.

The same goes for offensive guard.

While the Cardinals brought back Brown on a two-year deal, more help should be on the way.

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Currently, Brown and second-year pro Isaiah Adams are the projected starting options and left and right guard with Jon Gaines II next in line.

After getting very little snaps early on as a rookie, Adams ended up starting the final five games of the year with injuries impacting the interior.

From Weeks 14 on, Adams saw 100% of the available offensive snaps. It was the type of experience that could really help him take that Year 2 jump.

He’ll certainly be in the mix to start, but adding in another mauler would go a long way for Arizona’s run-heavy offense.

That could mean bringing back a guy like Will Hernandez, who was lost to a torn ACL last year, or taking a flier on some new blood.

Another pair of hands

The Cardinals have a couple of legit pass catchers in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. Beyond them and Michael Wilson, though, things get pretty murky in the wide receivers room.

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Greg Dortch and his restricted free agent status only adds to that notion. Signed or not, though, adding another speedy option for quarterback Kyler Murray could go a long way in shoring up the position.

A veteran voice could also do wonders in helping Harrison and the other young pass catchers take that next step.

Cooper Kupp, anyone? Only half joking here.

Tyler Drake Cardinals reporter and ArizonaSports.com editor

Born and raised in Kelseyville, California, I spent most of my summers growing up in Arizona. There were a lot of trips to Globe and the East Valley. Once out of high school, I attended the University of Arizona with a major in natural resources… Read more

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