All 32 NFL teams must decide which potential unrestricted Free Agents they want to retain or they will allow to test the open market. Some have more players than others. There’s also the option of using the franchise or transition tag to retain the rights to one of their star performers.
The arizona cardinals are coming off a 7-8-1 campaign and have a lot of important moves to make between now and the start of the league’s new fiscal year on March 9, 4:00 pm ET. Which player is their top priority to retain and who will they allow to test the upcoming free-agent market?
Bring him back
While quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald weren’t slated to become free agents, they have made it clear that they will be returning to the Arizona Cardinals for the 2017 season. However, there are several members of the second-ranked defense in the NFL this past year that will see their contracts expire. That list includes five linebackers such as Chandler Jones, Sio Moore and Kevin Minter.
But it’s veteran defensive end Calais Campbell that the team must bring back. The second-round pick back in 2008 and nine-year pro is this unit’s most consistent force and a big reason the club ranks so highly against the run. This past season, he finished sixth on the team with 53 tackles.
Campbell added eight sacks, a pair of forced fumbles, one interception and three fumble recoveries. He also knocked down six passes and remains a force up front.
Let him go
The Arizona Cardinals have their share of offensive weapons for Palmer to utilize. Along with Fitzgerald, there’s versatile running back David Johnson and his NFL-best 20 total touchdowns in 2016.
Add in speedy wide receiver John Brown (limited by injury in 2016), emerging wideout J.J. Nelson and veteran tight end Jermaine Gresham (who could also test free agency) and this club can put plenty of points on the board. But head coach Bruce Arians and general manager Steve Keim could opt to part ways with tight end Darren Fells. He was a bit banged up last season and is more of a factor as a blocker than a pass-catcher. But he also turns 31 years old in late April.
