Pass Rusher Still Cardinals' Biggest Need

The Arizona Cardinals have made just a handful of signings during free agency.
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The Arizona Cardinals have certainly lost more than they've gained thus far in free agency. 

Kyzir White figures to be a strong addition to the linebacker room. Hjalte Froholdt figures to be at worst a good depth piece for Arizona along the offensive line and Zach Pascal's recent addition to the wide receiver's room should be beneficial. 

However, the Cardinals have lost plenty of talent, especially along the defensive line. J.J. Watt retired and Zach Allen is now with the Denver Broncos. Even outside linebacker Markus Golden was released from the team. 

In total, 21.5 of Arizona's 36 total sacks from 2022 will need to be replaced. Pro Football Focus says that's the biggest area of need for the Cardinals. 

Pass Rusher Still Cardinals' Biggest Need

J.J. Watt Zach Allen Cameron Thomas

Trevor Sikkema: "After losing Zach Allen in free agency and J.J. Watt to retirement earlier this offseason, the Cardinals' defensive line, on paper, is one of the least inspiring in the league. They need a major talent boost at both edge defender and interior defensive line. And Byron Murphy Jr.‘s departure in free agency also leaves them with holes at inside and outside cornerback."

The Cardinals could very well settle that need in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Arizona has the No. 3 overall pick and could potentially take a player such as Alabama's Will Anderson. 

Should the Cardinals move down, players such as Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson would also make sense. 

Arizona could also rely more on the talents of Myjai Sanders and Cameron Thomas in their second season. Both flashed some good plays on tape in 2022. 

Free agency is far from over. The NFL Draft will be here soon, too. The Cardinals have ample opportunity to address the need for an edge rusher. 

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Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!