Three free agency targets for the Arizona Cardinals who want to advance in 2025
To help the Arizona Cardinals make strides in their quest to improve in the 2025 NFL season, we need to identify key free agent targets who can immediately contribute to the team’s growth, both on offense and defense. The Cardinals, in recent years, have been in the midst of a rebuild, with the hope that adding impactful free agents can fast-track their ascent. This article will delve into three free agency targets who could help the Arizona Cardinals take the next step toward becoming contenders in the 2025 NFL season.
1. Javon Hargrave – Defensive Tackle
Team Need: Defensive Line – Interior Pass Rush
Why He’s a Good Fit: The Arizona Cardinals’ defensive line has been inconsistent in terms of both pass rush and run defense. While there have been flashes of talent, the team needs a more stable presence in the middle of the defensive front to bolster both aspects of the game. Enter Javon Hargrave, one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the NFL.
Hargrave’s Impact on the Cardinals: Javon Hargrave, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, is a force to be reckoned with in the interior defensive line. A player with the ability to both rush the passer and clog up the running lanes, Hargrave’s versatility would be invaluable to the Cardinals. Over the last few seasons, Hargrave has consistently produced double-digit sacks from the interior defensive line position. In 2023, he racked up 11 sacks, a career-high, and he has been a key part of the Eagles’ defense, helping them become one of the most formidable units in the league.
For the Cardinals, adding a player like Hargrave would significantly improve their pass rush. Arizona has struggled to generate consistent pressure from the interior, which has placed extra pressure on their outside rushers. Hargrave’s ability to disrupt the pocket would make life easier for their edge rushers, potentially opening up more opportunities for sack production across the board. Moreover, Hargrave’s presence would help with run defense, as he’s known for being a stout run stuffer who can demand double teams and free up linebackers to make plays.
Why Hargrave Might Be Available: As one of the top interior defensive linemen on the market, Hargrave could command a high price. However, he may be available due to the Eagles’ salary cap situation and the fact that they have other high-profile players to retain. The Cardinals, with some cap space and a need for a player of Hargrave’s caliber, could make a strong pitch to add him to their roster.
Potential Contract: Hargrave will likely command a deal worth $15-20 million per year, given his status as one of the top free agents available. His age (26) and recent production make him a long-term solution for a team looking to improve their defense.
Long-Term Impact: In the long run, Hargrave would be a foundational piece for the Arizona defense, giving them a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line. His leadership and ability to disrupt would also be vital in terms of setting the tone for the Cardinals’ defense in 2025 and beyond.
2. Mike Evans – Wide Receiver
Team Need: Wide Receiver – #1 Receiving Threat
Why He’s a Good Fit: The Arizona Cardinals have struggled with consistency in the wide receiver position over the last few seasons, especially following the departure of DeAndre Hopkins. While there are promising players like Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore, the team lacks a true number one receiver who can command attention and make game-changing plays. This is where Mike Evans could step in and make an immediate impact.
Evans’ Impact on the Cardinals: Mike Evans is one of the most reliable and consistent wide receivers in the NFL. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Evans has amassed over 1,000 receiving yards in every season of his career since entering the NFL in 2014. His ability to stretch the field, combined with his height (6’5”) and catching ability, makes him a matchup nightmare for any secondary. Evans would instantly become the top target in Arizona’s passing game and provide a reliable weapon for whoever is under center, be it Kyler Murray or another quarterback.
Evans’ deep threat ability would immediately stretch defenses, opening up more opportunities for the Cardinals’ other receivers and the running game. In a division with teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, having a player who can take the top off the defense is essential for keeping opposing secondaries on their heels.
Additionally, Evans’ leadership and experience would help in mentoring the younger receivers on the roster. The ability to bring stability to the receiving corps while maintaining an explosive element to the offense would be invaluable for the Cardinals in their quest to become a competitive team in 2025.
Why Evans Might Be Available: Evans has played his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but given the team’s current rebuilding phase, there is a possibility that the Buccaneers might be looking to move on from some of their veteran stars in favor of younger, cheaper options. If that happens, Evans could be on the move, and a team like the Arizona Cardinals could capitalize on the opportunity to add a proven weapon to their offense.
Potential Contract: Evans is expected to receive a contract in the range of $15-20 million per year, depending on his market and demand. At age 31, Evans is still playing at a high level and could sign a three-to-four-year deal that allows him to finish his career with a team that offers him a chance to win in the near future.
Long-Term Impact: With Evans in the fold, the Arizona Cardinals would be able to build a more dynamic and potent offense. His presence would instantly improve the consistency and efficiency of their passing attack, allowing them to better compete in a division full of talented defenses. Evans could be the missing piece that turns the Cardinals into a dangerous team on offense.
3. Jimmie Ward – Safety
Team Need: Safety – Defensive Backbone
Why He’s a Good Fit: While the Arizona Cardinals have talent in their secondary, they lack a true leader and playmaker at the safety position. In a pass-heavy league, a team’s ability to defend the deep ball and create turnovers is vital. Jimmie Ward is one of the most reliable and versatile safeties in the NFL and would be an ideal fit to help stabilize Arizona’s secondary.
Ward’s Impact on the Cardinals: Jimmie Ward is known for his ability to excel in both the free and strong safety positions, making him one of the most versatile safeties in the league. He has excellent ball skills, and his ability to cover a wide range of ground makes him a valuable asset in pass coverage. Ward has also proven himself to be a solid tackler and a physical presence in run support, which is important for a team like the Cardinals that struggles at times in stopping the run.
Ward would bring veteran leadership to Arizona’s secondary, and his experience in big games would help raise the level of play for the entire defensive backfield. His ability to make game-changing plays, such as interceptions and pass deflections, would be a huge asset for the Cardinals as they aim to take their defense to the next level in 2025.
The versatility of Ward also gives the coaching staff the ability to use him in a variety of ways, whether it’s as a deep safety, a box safety, or even as a nickel cornerback in certain defensive packages. His ability to play in multiple roles would allow the Cardinals to be more creative with their defensive schemes.
Why Ward Might Be Available: Ward played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, but given the 49ers’ cap constraints and the fact that they have a young and talented secondary, Ward could be priced out of San Francisco’s plans. As a result, the Cardinals could look to take advantage of his availability and bring him in to help strengthen their defense.
Potential Contract: Ward could command a deal worth $10-15 million per year. Given his versatility and high level of play, he would be a valuable asset to any defense, and Arizona would need to act quickly to secure his services.
Long-Term Impact: In the long term, Ward’s leadership and skill set would provide the Cardinals with a steady and reliable presence in the secondary. His ability to make plays and mentor younger players would be invaluable in helping Arizona improve defensively. Adding Ward would provide the Cardinals with an immediate upgrade in their defensive backfield and give them a player capable of being a true playmaker on the back end.
As the Arizona Cardinals look to advance in the 2025 NFL season, targeting free agents like Javon Hargrave, Mike Evans, and Jimmie Ward could make a significant impact on both sides of the ball. These players bring proven talent, leadership, and playmaking ability to positions of need. With their help, the Cardinals could improve their defensive line, receiving corps, and secondary, giving them the tools necessary to contend in the NFC West and beyond. By strategically investing in these free agents, the Cardinals could fast-track their rebuild and set themselves up for success in the coming seasons.