The Arizona Cardinals went out and spent big on defensive lineman Jordan Phillips, giving him a three-year, $30 million deal after he had a career season in 2019 for the Buffalo Bills.
In 2019, he had 31 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits. It was a career high in every category.
The 9.5 sacks were the most by any player weighing at least 340 pounds — ever.
As good as he was last season, the Cardinals believe he can be even better.
“Jordan’s looking forward to getting better,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph told reporters in a video conference this week. “I think Jordan has not hit his ceiling test. He’s looking to prove everyone wrong that he can be a top-10, top-15 D-lineman.”
Before last season, he was rarely used in any other situation than in run downs. In 2019, he had his first opportunity to play in third-down packages, and it was obviously a huge success.
The Cardinals will count on him to give the defensive interior a pass-rushing threat they haven’t had in years.
Joseph described Phillips as a “dancing bear” because of his stature and movement skills.
“Hopefully, his best years are in front of him.”
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Ep. 266
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Ep.265
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