The Arizona Cardinals lost outside linebacker Chandler Jones in free agency after he joined the Las Vegas Raiders on a three-year deal. Thus far, they have made no moves.
It has been almost puzzling to see pass rusher after pass rusher land deals with other teams while the Cardinals stand pat.
Where will Jones’ replacement come from?
Perhaps the lack of movement in free agency is calculated. There is the possibility they have Jones’ replacement already on the roster — not Dennis Gardeck, Devon Kennard or Victor Dimukeje. Perhaps it is J.J. Watt.
For pretty much his entire career with the Houston Texans, Watt was used on the interior in base defensive packages and then slid out to the edge to rush the passers in nickel packages.
Last season, his first with the Cardinals, all he did was play the interior.
Watt’s versatility gives the Cardinals some choices.
They redid Devon Kennard’s contract to bring him back. Because he can be stout in the running game, he can play outside linebacker opposite Markus Golden with Watt inside in their 3-4 base front. In sub packages, Watt can replace Kennard off the edge, giving them Golden and Watt as their edge rushers.
It allows the Cardinals to be flexible in the draft and in the later stages of free agency.
If they land a first-round pass rusher, Watt could stay inside more. If they land a stud defensive tackle, then Watt could play the edge.
Perhaps they envision Leki Fotu, Rashard Lawrence and Michael Dogbe to be good enough to play alongside Zach Allen and give them what they need in the interior with Watt outside.
It will be easier to find a stout interior defender in the later weeks and months of free agency than an impact rusher.
Watt can be the impact pass rusher.
Perhaps Watt, when he was signed to a two-year contract last offseason, was at least the backup plan on the edge in the scenario where Jones would end up leaving.
As the Cardinals continue to leave Jones’ spot in the lineup empty, this might be the reason why.
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