The Arizona Cardinals are aiming for a much-improved season after missing the playoffs last year and enduring a truly disappointing campaign the year before. This offseason, Arizona had one clear mission: improve their defense—and they delivered. Their first two draft picks were defensive lineman Walter Nolen and cornerback Will Johnson, both promising future additions.
The Cardinals may not be done bolstering their defense, as there are calls to sign a veteran safety. Justin Simmons, who played for the Falcons last season, is an attractive target due to his ballhawking ability—something Arizona sorely lacked, struggling to force turnovers last year.
“Arizona has Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson entrenched in starting safety roles, but neither of the two recorded an interception last season. The Cardinals need to force more turnovers. In 2024, they tied for 20th in takeaways. Simmons has 32 career interceptions in nine seasons. He can help Arizona with game-changing plays in coverage,” Moe Moton wrote.
While Arizona won’t have an easy travel schedule this season, their overall schedule is relatively manageable. The Cardinals could add another defensive piece before the offseason wraps up—one that could set them up for major success. Micah Parsons has been at the center of trade rumors and would make a huge impact for Arizona.
“Parsons has been swirling around trade rumors all offseason and I say it’s time a team pulls the trigger. Let that team be the Cardinals. Few, if any, pass rushers in the league have been as consistently effective as Parsons has in four seasons, and he is the very definition of a generational player who alters your team,” Richie Bradshaw wrote.
Parsons has amassed 52.5 sacks in just four years of play. He will command a significant payday in his next contract—but that could be with the Cardinals if the dream scenario comes to fruition.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Read the full article here