Arizona Cardinals free-agent needs and possible targets

Beginning Saturday afternoon, NFL teams officially can begin negotiating with the agents for unrestricted free agents, which means the unofficial tampering period, which began weeks ago, is over.

Contracts cannot be signed until Tuesday, when the 2015 NFL "league year" begins.

Nothing would please Cardinals General Manager Steve Keim more than to one day spend the first week of free agency on an island with frozen drink in hand.

That would mean the Cardinals roster would be well-stocked with draft picks, and Keim could spend the spring and summer shopping at Free Agent Rack.

The Cardinals aren't built that way, though they are in better shape after two offseasons under the Keim/Bruce Arians regime.

Here is a look at the most important areas the Cardinals need to address this offseason.

Interior offensive line

Overview: It's a good thing the Cardinals signed Ted Larsen in free agency last year. He wasn't great, but he was serviceable, and they needed him when Jonathan Cooper suffered more injuries. Lyle Sendlein started every game at center, and right guard Paul Fanaika started 14.

Looking ahead: Cooper will plug in at left guard, and the Cardinals are hoping the seventh overall pick in the 2013 draft can stay healthy. In two seasons, Cooper has played in 10 games, starting just two.

The center and right guard spots are question marks, too. Sendlein didn't play well in 2014. He's in the last year of his contract, and the Cardinals could free $3.2 million of cap space if they release him.

Fanaika is an unrestricted free agent and the Cardinals will let him go if he gets a decent offer elsewhere. That's because they think they can do better.

Possible replacements: There are at least two intriguing centers available in free agency: Rodney Hudson (Chiefs) and Stefen Wisniewski (Raiders).

Hudson likely will command more money, but I could see the Cardinals making a run at him. Wisniewski can also play guard. If they desire a cheaper option, they could pursue A.Q. Shipley (Colts), who can also play guard.

Shipley played for Arians with the Colts in 2012. He was benched a month into the 2014 season.

Running back

Overview: Who would have guessed the Cardinals would miss Jonathan Dwyer as much as they did? Without him, they lacked a big, powerful back, and it was one reason they were poor in short-yardage situations.

Andre Ellington is a matchup problem, when the Cardinals can get him out of high-traffic areas. Kerwynn Williams is deceptively powerful, but built like Ellington. Robert Hughes was used more like a fullback. Perhaps Marion Grice will develop with a full offseason behind him.

Possible replacements: If the Vikings are willing to part with Adrian Peterson, the Cardinals will be interested. But that's not a given, so the Cardinals will look elsewhere.

It will be tempting to pursue DeMarco Murray (Cowboys), who at 27 is three years younger than Peterson. But he's played one complete season in four years.

Mark Ingram (Saints) isn't as talented, but he would be cheaper and is good around the goal line.

After Peterson, the Cardinals can afford to show patience with this spot. A draft pick or other rookie could contribute immediately.

Linebackers

Overview: The Cardinals have needs both inside and outside. Larry Foote is probably going to retire and become a coach. Kevin Minter hasn't proved he was worthy of being the second-round pick in 2013, but he played all last season with a torn pectoral muscle.

Maybe Kenny Demens and Glenn Carson will continue to progress, but that can't be counted upon.

On the outside, Alex Okafor (eight sacks) improved in his second season. Matt Shaughnessy plays the run well but doesn't offer much as a pass rusher.

Possible replacements: The Cardinals have learned they can't count on Daryl Washington, although they are expected to take him back should he be cleared by the commissioner.

On the inside, two players coming off injuries are intriguing: Nate Irving (knee, Broncos) and Sean Weatherspoon (Achilles', Falcons). Both are 27 and solid players when healthy.

On the outside, it will be hard to add a pass rusher via free agency. Teams just don't let good, young, consistent ones go. There are some intriguing players on the market, however, including Brandon Graham (Eagles), Derrick Morgan (Titans), Jerry Hughes (Bills) and Jason Worilds (Steelers).

Any one of those four would bolster the position for the Cardinals and give them flexibility in the draft.

Reach Somers at kent.somers@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8335. Follow him at twitter.com/kentsomers.



