The Arizona Cardinals’ 3 best moves in NFL free agency

The Arizona Cardinals have made a number of deals in free agency. Some were re-signings. Some were big additions and others were smaller additions.

They have solidified the offensive line. They have improved the defensive line and pass rush. They have a legitimate backup quarterback.

But what were their best deals?

Below are the three free agent deals that were the Cardinals’ best so far.

No. 1: DL Dalvin Tomlinson
The Cardinals tried to sign former Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Milton Williams. He got $26 million a year for four years from the New England Patriots, and he has yet to be a full-time starter in the NFL.

By missing out on him, they were able to get Tomlinson, who got a two-year, $29 million contract from Arizona after he was cut by the Cleveland Browns.

While Williams had five sacks last season and two in the Super Bowl, he has had only 29 career quarterback hits in four NFL seasons.

Tomlinson had 40 in the last three seasons. Tomlinson has never had more than 3.5 sacks in a season, but he is a proven disruptor against the run and the pass.

The truth is the Cardinals got a better player for less money. While Williams could still be ascending, Tomlinson is a proven commodity.

No. 2: OL Evan Brown
This is an incredibly underrated signing. He was solid last season. The guard market went crazy. The Cardinals tried to get Will Fries as well, but he got five years and $93 million from the Minnesota Vikings.

While Brown is not an elite guard, he is solid. Considering his contract costs less than $6 million a season for two years, the Cardinals get great value. How much better play would they get from a so-called better guard than Brown, considering the cost?

No. 3: LB Josh Sweat
I initially gave this deal a “C” in my free agency grades. That was probably a little harsh. The truth is that the economics of pass rushers have changed. $30 million a year is the new $20 million a year.

So a guy below the elite tier of pass rushers like Sweat is going to get $19 million a year like he does. He has reached double digits in sacks before and had eight last season, plus another 2.5 in the Super Bowl. He gives the defense a real pass-rushing threat and the contract isn’t crazy. If he gets eight sacks a year, it is fine. If he gets 10-plus, it is great.

The Arizona Cardinals made several impactful moves during the 2024 NFL free agency period, focusing on strengthening their defense and retaining key contributors. Here are their top three acquisitions:

1. **CB Sean Murphy-Bunting (3-year, $25.5M)**
The Cardinals bolstered their secondary by signing cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting to a three-year, $25.5 million deal. Murphy-Bunting, formerly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans, brought valuable experience to a young cornerback group. In his first season with Arizona, he started all 15 games he played, recording 52 combined tackles, five pass deflections, and three interceptions, including a notable pick against the New England Patriots .

2. **DT Bilal Nichols (3-year, $21M)**
To fortify their defensive line, the Cardinals signed defensive tackle Bilal Nichols to a three-year, $21 million contract. Nichols, known for his athleticism and ability to generate interior pressure, joined from the Las Vegas Raiders. His presence added depth and stability to the defensive front, contributing to the team’s improved run defense and pass rush .

3. **LB Mack Wilson Sr. (3-year, $12.75M)**
Linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. was another key addition, signing a three-year, $12.75 million contract. Wilson, who had previous stints with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, seized an opportunity to start alongside Kyzir White. His versatility and playmaking ability were instrumental in the Cardinals’ defensive schemes, earning him recognition as one of the team’s most impactful free-agent signings .

These strategic signings reflect the Cardinals’ commitment to enhancing their defense and building a competitive team for the 2024 season.