Grading the Cardinals’ free agent moves so far
The Arizona Cardinals have not been particularly active in free agency so far, adding three outside players and re-signing several of their own players.
What grades do they deserve so far for the signings and re-signings?
Below are grades for the moves they made in the first week.
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Add LB Kyzir White
Michael Chow-Arizona Republic
Grade – A
This move makes perfect sense. White has been very productive statistically the last two seasons and has been analytically great in coverage. He brings knowledge of the new defensive scheme and comes at a reasonable price.
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Add OL Hjalte Froholdt
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Grade – C
Froholdt is an uninspiring addition to the offensive line. His two-year deal is reasonable but he is either simply depth or a very disappointing expected starter.
If he becomes a good starter, then this is a steal of a deal. However, there is no way to view it that way right now.
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Add DL Kevin Strong
Grade – C
This one-year deal is likely for something near the league minimum. He has only one full season of playing time and he was all right for Tennessee.
He should be viewed as defensive line depth. That’s fine, but it isn’t anything to get excited about.
Re-sign OL Kelvin Beachum
(AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Grade – B
Beachum has been durable and steady for the Cardinals over three seasons. His contract is very good for a starting right tackle, but it does leave some to wonder what the plans are for Josh Jones.
There is nothing wrong with bringing him back, but there are better tackles, although perhaps not for the price.
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Re-sign OL Will Hernandez
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Grade – A
Hernandez was good for the Cardinals last season and comes at a reasonable price (two years, $9 million). You will be hard-pressed to find a better guard at that price.
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Re-sign K Matt Prater
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Grade – B
Prater is one of the most clutch kickers ever and will hit them from deep. He doesn’t come cheaply on a two-year deal worth $7.5 million. However, he will be 39 years old this season and missed four games with a hip injury.
A healthy Prater is nails, although that is assuming the Cardinals have the same special teams battery with him.
Re-sign WR Greg Dortch
Joe Rondone-Arizona Republic
Grade – A+
This is a no-brainer. He was productive whenever given opportunities last season and his contract is for the league minimum with nothing guaranteed.
This is an easy call. There is high upside for no real commitment.
Re-sign LB Zeke Turner
Grade – A
Turner is a special teams stud who gives you flexibility on defense. He has a similar, albeit more limited, skillset as linebackers Isaiah Simmons and Kyzir White and is similar as he, like they, moved from safety to linebacker after college.
His one-year, $2 million deal is great because it only counts about $1.3 million against the cap.
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Re-sign RB Corey Clement
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Grade – C
Clement’s deal is for the league minimum and he is running back depth with special teams play. He is an unspectacular but decent player, but nothing to get excited about.
