ARIZONA CARDINALS

Rapoport: Cardinals would like Haason Reddick, Patrick Peterson back

Mar 1, 2021, 3:51 PM | Updated: 3:51 pm
(Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)...
(Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals made waves across the NFL with their Monday signing of former Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt.

Watt signed on for a reported $31 million over the next two years, giving Arizona a future Hall of Famer to put along the line with outside linebacker Chandler Jones.

But while the addition is the focal point, where does that leave the team’s pending free agents, most notably corner Patrick Peterson and linebacker Haason Reddick?

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the organization would like to have both back for 2021.

“Obviously the Cardinals believed that J.J. Watt would be worth it,” Rapoport said Monday. “Think about the defense they have now. They have Chandler Jones on one side, Patrick Peterson is a pending free agent and though for the right number they would like to re-sign him.

“Haason Reddick, also a free agent, would like to have him back as well. We’ll see if they can all make it happen but J.J. Watt now joins a very, very good and improved defense.”

Now, how that all comes together remains to be seen. After putting together his best season as a pro, recording 12.5 sacks, 63 tackles (20 for loss) and six forced fumbles, Reddick will have plenty of suitors in free agency.

An avenue the Cardinals could take would be using the franchise tag on the LB as it wouldn’t break the bank for Arizona to sign him to a one-year deal.

And despite his down year, Peterson could still command eight figures. Peterson recorded 61 tackles and three interceptions, but posted his worst coverage grade since the CB’s rookie year (53.1), per Pro Football Focus. He also led the NFL with 12 penalties.

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals star backer Isaiah Simmons (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)...
Tyler Drake

Isaiah Simmons remains positionless in Cardinals’ new-look defense

The Cardinals have a decision to make when it comes down to Isaiah Simmons. And no, it's not centered around the fifth-year option.
1 day ago
DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals is called for a personal foul penalty against Eric Sto...
Tyler Drake

Jonathan Gannon operating under premise DeAndre Hopkins will be a Card

While the trade chatter surrounding wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins continues, he's a Cardinal until he isn't in HC Jonathan Gannon's eyes.
1 day ago
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Allen (94) walks off the field after being checked for an inju...
Arizona Sports

Cardinals replacing head athletic trainer Tom Reed

The Arizona Cardinals have fired longtime head athletic trainer Tom Reed, reports Compare.bet's Kyle Odegard.
1 day ago
DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a catch in front of David Long Jr. #22 of the Lo...
Wills Rice

Report: Cardinals grant teams permission to speak to DeAndre Hopkins

The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly granted teams permission to speak to wideout DeAndre Hopkins and his agent, SI's Albert Breer said.
2 days ago
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) works in the pocket against the Tennessee Titans dur...
Tyler Drake

Lamar Jackson’s trade request adds an extra layer to busy NFL offseason

The twists and turns of the NFL offseason roll on following Ravens QB Lamar Jackson's Monday announcement of his trade request.
2 days ago
General manager Monti Ossenfort of the Arizona Cardinals speaks to the media during the NFL Combine...
Tyler Drake

2023 NFL Mock Draft Tracker: What will the Cardinals do with 3rd pick?

A look at the players being mocked to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
3 days ago
Rapoport: Cardinals would like Haason Reddick, Patrick Peterson back