Cardinals’ Possible Trade Package, Star DE Unveiled
Context: The Arizona Cardinals are in a period of transition, needing to strengthen their roster in key positions to remain competitive in the NFC West. With the upcoming draft and free agency, the team is looking for potential trade opportunities to upgrade their defense, especially in the pass-rush department.
Focus of the Piece: This article will explore a potential trade package involving a star defensive end that could bolster the Cardinals’ defense and help them challenge their division rivals.
The Arizona Cardinals’ Current Roster and Needs
Team Overview: The Arizona Cardinals are in rebuilding mode, transitioning under a new coaching staff with head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort. Their primary needs lie in improving both their offensive line and defense, with a particular focus on generating more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Defensive Struggles: The Cardinals’ defense has been inconsistent, especially in generating a consistent pass rush. The team finished near the bottom in sack totals last season, which puts more pressure on their secondary.
Key Areas to Improve: Arizona’s pass rush and defensive line are in need of a star player to help set the tone for the defense. The team needs an edge rusher who can make an immediate impact, taking the pressure off their secondary and boosting overall team performance.
Why a Star DE?
Pass Rush Importance: A star defensive end or pass rusher is one of the most coveted assets in modern NFL defenses. The ability to disrupt the quarterback and generate consistent pressure is critical for a defense to succeed in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Impact of a Star DE: A dominant DE can turn a defense from mediocre to formidable, as they force turnovers, create havoc in the backfield, and change the flow of games. This can significantly aid the team in close matchups, particularly within a highly competitive NFC West division.
Historical Precedent: In recent seasons, teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have built strong defenses around star pass rushers like Nick Bosa and Aaron Donald. Arizona needs a similar player to stay competitive.
The Star DE in Question: Potential Trade Targets
Profile of the Ideal DE: The ideal target for Arizona would be a player capable of consistently pressuring the quarterback, setting the edge against the run, and being an impact player in all three downs. They need someone who could be the centerpiece of the defense for the long term.
Possible DE Trade Targets:
Chase Young (Washington Commanders): After being drafted second overall in 2020, Young’s early career was promising but has been marred by injuries. If the Commanders are willing to trade him, the Cardinals could acquire a high-upside player capable of becoming a dominant force in the front seven.
Bradley Chubb (Miami Dolphins): Chubb was traded to the Dolphins in 2022 and has shown his potential as a dynamic pass rusher. The Dolphins have made significant moves in recent years, and they may be willing to move Chubb if they receive the right compensation.
Danielle Hunter (Minnesota Vikings): Hunter is one of the league’s most productive pass rushers when healthy. However, the Vikings are in a tough cap situation and might look to offload his contract. A trade for Hunter would give the Cardinals a proven veteran to anchor their defense.
DeMarcus Lawrence (Dallas Cowboys): Lawrence is a seasoned veteran with a strong pass-rush history. If the Cowboys are in rebuilding mode, they could be willing to part with him for the right price, providing the Cardinals with a solid veteran presence.
Building a Trade Package
Key Components of a Trade Package: In a trade for a star defensive end, the Cardinals will need to offer a combination of draft picks and perhaps players to entice the opposing team. The most likely assets in the trade package would include:
High Draft Picks: The Cardinals currently own multiple picks in the first and second rounds of upcoming drafts, which are valuable assets for any team looking to rebuild or replenish its roster.
Player Swaps: The team could also consider trading away younger players who are not contributing significantly to the current roster. This could include players on rookie contracts, who have upside but may not fit into the team’s plans moving forward.
Salary Cap Space: With the cap situation favorable for the Cardinals, they could take on a large salary if it means getting a star player in return.
This trade allows Washington to acquire a solid young linebacker in Collins and gain more draft capital while giving Arizona the potential of a top-tier pass rusher in Young.
The Dolphins would likely be looking for a high-value first-round pick, and this trade would allow them to continue strengthening their roster for the future.
Minnesota might be looking for more offensive weapons, and this trade gives them Moore, a young wide receiver, to complement their offense.
Trade Scenarios and How They Could Impact the Cardinals
Immediate Impact on the Defense: Acquiring a star defensive end will immediately improve the Cardinals’ ability to rush the passer. This will relieve pressure on their secondary, which has struggled in recent years, and improve their overall defensive performance.
Future Outlook: A trade for a star DE could set the Cardinals up for success in both the short and long term. They would have a reliable player to anchor their defense, and the improved pass rush could have a ripple effect, improving other aspects of the defense.
Division Implications: The NFC West is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, and improving the defense is essential to staying competitive. A star defensive end could help the Cardinals close the gap with teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
Salary Cap Considerations
Cap Flexibility: The Cardinals have ample cap space heading into the 2025 season, which allows them the flexibility to absorb the salary of a high-paid player like Chase Young, Bradley Chubb, or Danielle Hunter.
Managing Long-Term Contracts: While a star DE might require a hefty contract, the Cardinals can structure the deal in a way that fits their future salary cap projections, ensuring they have enough room to sign other key players and continue building their roster.
Risks and Challenges of the Trade
Injury Concerns: Injuries have been a concern for some of the top pass rushers mentioned (especially Young). The Cardinals would have to weigh whether the risk of injury is worth the reward of adding a potential superstar to their defense.
Trade Leverage: Other teams in the league may be pursuing the same players, which could drive up the price and complicate the trade negotiations. The Cardinals need to be strategic and not overpay, ensuring they keep enough assets for future moves.
Summary of Potential Trade Packages: A trade for a star defensive end could be the key to Arizona’s defensive resurgence. Whether they pursue a player like Chase Young, Bradley Chubb, or Danielle Hunter, the Cardinals must act decisively and make a deal that helps them immediately while also fitting into their long-term plans.
Looking Ahead: As the team continues its rebuilding phase under new leadership, a bold trade for a pass rusher could be the move that jumpstarts their defense and propels them toward playoff contention in the future.
