NFL Offseason 2015: The NFC West
Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Signings:
- G Mike Iupati
- ILB Sean Weatherspoon
- C A.Q. Shipley
- EDGE LaMarr Woodley
- DL Corey Peters
- DL Cory Redding
Re-signings:
- NT Alameda Ta’amu
- OT Bradley Sowell
Cuts:
- C Lyle Sendlein
- DL Darnell Dockett
Loses:
- Antonio Cromartie
- Dan Williams
- DL Darnell Dockett
- WR Ted Ginn
- EDGE Sam Acho
- G Paul Fanaika
- TE Rob Housler
- WR Ted Ginn
With quarterback Carson Palmer coming back this year, the Arizona Cardinals are in pretty good shape going into the draft. They lost nose tackle Dan Williams but believe in Alameda Ta’amu to take his place. I’m not sure LaMarr Woodley is the Cardinals’ ultimate plan as an edge-rusher but he is an upgrade over Matt Shaughnessy.
One thing that will be interesting is how the loss of corner Antonio Cromartie will affect the team. And from what I’ve seen in 2014, Cory Redding can still play so he will offset the loss of Darnell Docket on the defensive line. Offensively, the Cardinals definitely plan to run the ball more as they now have Mike Iupati at guard.
A running back to run behind an offensive line that now has Iupati is definitely something to consider early in the draft. I don’t know the order but running back, edge rusher and corner should be addressed in the draft. If they get hits at all three positions, it’s going to be interesting to see how close they can come to dethroning the Seahawks as NFC West Champions.
Next: Seattle Seahawks