Cardinals Named Landing Spot for Former Top Pick

The Arizona Cardinals could snag a division rival pass rusher.

ARIZONA -- Free agency is set to begin next week, and the Arizona Cardinals are looking to fill a handful of holes throughout the roster with their $45.6 million in effective cap space. 

Perhaps they won't have to travel far to find some help on the defensive side of the ball.

NFL.com's Nick Shook matched 15 different free agents with new landing spots, and San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Chase Young was deemed a fit for the Cardinals:

"I really wanted to match Young with Washington, considering how badly it needs edge-rushing help after trading away Young and Montez Sweat at the deadline. That bridge very well may be critically damaged, if not burned entirely, though, so let’s find a new place for Young, who likely won’t command top dollar due to production inconsistency and a rough injury history," said Shook.

"Arizona has money to spend and is coached by a former defensive coordinator in Jonathan Gannon, who once oversaw an Eagles defense that flirted with the all-time single-season sacks record in 2022. His leader in sacks in 2023 was Dennis Gardeck with a whopping six, and his team ranked 29th or worse in pressure rate and sacks. 

"It’s time to bring in some new talent, and since Young won’t require the Cardinals to break the bank to sign him, it’s worth pursuing him with the hopes he’ll stay healthy and find some consistency in his play."

Young - a former No. 2 overall pick - has yet to put up the monster sack numbers people were anticipating when Washington drafted him back in 2020. He was traded for a third-round pick to the 49ers last season.

Turning 25 next month, Young could bring some upside to a Cardinals pass rush room that desperately needs more capable bodies. 

However, the 49ers reportedly are interested in re-signing Young according to ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano.

"The 49ers have at least some interest in bringing back edge rusher Chase Young, who was a bit of a disappointment for them after their deadline deal to acquire him from Washington but is still just 24 and has a great relationship with star 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa," Graziano wrote. 

"Young might end up having to take a one-year prove-it deal, be it from San Francisco or someone else, but there are enough teams still intrigued by the 2020 No. 2 overall pick's potential."

Young has a market value of $13 million annually according to Spotrac, which does seem a bit steep given the lack of production. 

The Cardinals have money to throw around this offseason, but it's hard to imagine general manager Monti Ossenfort not using it wisely. 

If they can get Young for a cheaper figure, it could be worth the gamble for Jonathan Gannon's squad.