Breaking down the Arizona Cardinals’ free agents

Feb 3, 2015, 4:50 PM | Updated: 8:28 pm

Arizona Sports

The Arizona Cardinals will look different 2015 than they did in 2014, that much is a given.

How different is the question, and that will largely be determined by what ends up happening in free agency. As of now, there are 14 players scheduled to hit the open market. Some will return; others will leave.

Below is a list of all of the pending free agents along with thoughts on their likelihood to be back in Arizona next season.

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The Cardinals picked up Sowell during the 2013 season, and he ended up becoming the team's starting left tackle. His performance was admirable, but not enough to keep the team from making left tackle Jared Veldheer its top priority in free agency. With Veldheer on board the team gave Sowell a shot at right tackle, but he was never able to earn playing time.
Coming back? Sowell's talent and experience would make him a great backup to have, especially since he can play both tackle spots. The 25-year-old may decide to test the market, though, in hopes of finding playing time elsewhere. If he can't, his comfort in AZ's system may bring him back.

Dwyer was supposed to be the team's big back, a compliment to Andre Ellington. He appeared in two games before being arrested on charges of domestic assault, and from that point on he was not with the team.
Coming back? When the legal troubles first came about, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said he would welcome Dwyer back if he was cleared of all charges. Though Dwyer pled guilty to disorderly conduct and was placed on probation, it's doubtful the team will bring him back.

Few players had as interesting of a ride in 2014 than Lindley, who was released by the Cardinals in training camp, signed with the San Diego Chargers, returned to Arizona and then started three games (including a playoff matchup). His grittiness was admirable, but his performance was lacking. Including the postseason, Lindley completed 61-of-121 passes for 644 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions.
Coming back? On locker room cleanout day, Lindley seemed understanding of the fact that he will probably be the odd man out again in the Cards' QB room. Head coach Bruce Arians basically said as much later in the morning, so it's hard to see his Cardinals career continuing.

Benard was on the yo-yo in 2014, going from on the roster to off the roster and then back on it. He ended up appearing in 12 games, recording nine total tackles and one sack.
Coming back? The Cardinals obviously see something in the 29-year-old linebacker, but enough to give him a greater role? Is that something Benard thinks he deserves? He'd be good depth, no doubt, if he's willing to stick around.

In 2013, Ta'amu carved out a role along the team's defensive line. Unfortunately he suffered a torn ACL late in the season, and was never quite able to return to form in 2014. He played just 24 snaps, according to ProFootballFocus, and failed to record a stat.
Coming back? Assuming the Cardinals feel like more time to recover from the knee injury will lead to increased production, there'd be no reason not to keep him. However, it's possible Ta'amu will see more playing time elsewhere and decide to depart.

Do you know who Mike Leach is? No? That's a good thing. Leach has been Arizona's long snapper since 2009, and the last thing he'd want is for you to know who he is because chances are that would mean he made a mistake. I mean, have you ever watched a game and thought, "Wow, that was a great long snap"? Didn't think so.
Coming back? Leach is 38 years old, and probably a bit on the pricey side for a long snapper. However, it is not a position anyone wants to worry about, and you'd have to think Arizona would like to keep him around.

Every year since 2011, when he was taken in the third round out of Florida Atlantic, was supposed to be the year for Housler. Every year, he has not lived up to expectations. Housler saw his role decline sharply in 2014, where he caught just nine passes for 129 yards.
Coming back? Not likely. The Cardinals drafted Troy Niklas in the second round last year for a reason, and with John Carlson and Darren Fells on the roster, are not likely to retain the underachieving Housler. He could use a change of scenery, too.

You almost get the feeling Fanaika was not supposed to be Arizona's starting right guard, but that's the role he's held for each of the last two seasons. He missed just more than two games with an ankle injury, and according to ProFootballFocus.com allowed two sacks, seven QB hits, 30 QB hurries and was penalized 7 times.
Coming back? If nothing else, Fanaika would provide solid depth and insurance at right guard. The Cardinals may be looking to mix things up at both guard positions next season, but that does not mean the former ASU alum could not be a part of the plan.

This time one year ago, Abraham was coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he led the Cardinals with 11.5 sacks. Everything from that point has either been bad or mysterious -- or both. Abraham suffered a concussion in Week 1 and proceeded to miss the rest of the season.
Coming back? Abraham will be 37 when the next season begins, though he has expressed interest in continuing his career. Every team could use a pass rusher, but can he be relied on? Abraham was on the Cards' sideline when team played in Atlanta, so the bridge has not been burned in any way.

Be it due to injury or something else, Acho has never quite lived up to the promise he showed his rookie season, when he tallied 7 sacks in 2011. Last season, he had just one sack to go along with 31 total tackles. He was in the rotation, but never solidified himself as a starter or a pass rusher.
Coming back? At 26, Acho still has room/time to improve, but the Cardinals aren't likely to pay much for that to happen in AZ. He's a good special teams player and in the locker room, though, so for the right price they'd probably bring him back.

The team's first-round pick in 2010, Williams finally started to come into his own the last two seasons. In 2014, he picked up 32 total tackles and one sack. Effective against the run, he showed some ability to get to the quarterback, too.
Coming back? At 27 years old, Williams is the type of player who is likely to get attention from multiple teams as his statistics belie his true value. Are the Cardinals ready to get into a bidding war for his services?

The Cardinals picked Kelly up after Darnell Dockett tore his ACL in training camp, and the veteran went on to have a productive season for Arizona, finishing with 34 tackles and one sack. At 34 he's likely more suited for a part-time role, but can still be effective.
Coming back? The Cardinals reportedly tried to extend his contract during the season, but Kelly wanted to wait until it was over. Assuming he doesn't want to break the bank, he should be in AZ next season.

Cromartie was that classic Steve Keim signing as a former star looking to rebuild his value on a one-year deal in the desert. The move worked out for both parties, as "Cro" played well opposite Patrick Peterson, picking off three passes, knocking away 10 others and tallying 48 total tackles while earning a Pro Bowl nod.
Coming back? This seems likely to be another Karlos Dansby situation, with another team likely offering more than Arizona and the player leaving. Couldn't really blame either side if that happens.

Foote was originally signed to provide depth and leadership, but he ended up being so much more. The linebacker, who missed Week 17 against San Francisco with an injury, played all but one defensive snap in 2014, finishing with 84 total tackles (61 solo), two sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception. He clearly wore down as the season went on, but proved to be an incredibly valuable part of the team.
Coming back? Foote mentioned more than a couple of times during the season how underpaid he ended up being given his role. If he decides to play another year he'd undoubtedly want a pay increase, which the Cardinals may decide to give him. But he will be 35 when the 2015 season begins and it's possible he may decide to call it a career. If that's the route he goes, rumor has it he may stay in Arizona as a coach.

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