The NFL is still more than a month away from the beginning of free agency. The Arizona Cardinals are expected to be big players as they have more salary cap space than in recent years.
Of course, they have some players of their own they would like to bring back and re-sign before free agency begins.
Two show up on ESPN’s list of the top 50 free agents for this year.
Coming in at No. 44 is tackle D.J. Humphries.
Humphries is one of the most intriguing candidates for the open market. His age and position will attract plenty of NFL teams. But Humphries, a 2015 first-round draft pick, struggled to stay on the field until his contract year. Is he past those issues?
Humphries played well last season, allowing only two sacks all year. Re-signing him is important for the Cardinals as well because he would be the first of general manager Steve Keim’s first-round picks to make it to a second contract.
Cracking the top 20 on the list is running back Kenyan Drake, who comes in at No. 19.
Drake was wildly productive after arriving from the Dolphins via trade. In eight games, he rushed for eight touchdowns and combined for 814 yards rushing and receiving. Drake’s age and receiving ability make him a rare valuable commodity at his position in free agency.
How much he will cost to re-sign is a big question for the offseason. Already burdened by David Johnson’s deal, do they want to invest more at a position many feel is interchangeable?
If the Cardinals don’t re-sign him, he will certainly get paid elsewhere.
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Ep. 255
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Ep. 254
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