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Cardinals Named Fit for Two Free Agent Linebackers

Originally posted on FanNation All Cardinals
By Donnie Druin | Last updated 3/5/24

NFL free agency is set to begin next week, and the Arizona Cardinals will be looking to fill numerous holes on both sides of the ball with some of the highest amount of cap space available in the league.

While positions such as defensive line, edge rusher and corner are more pressing needs, the Cardinals could potentially upgrade the inside linebacker position.

PFF labeled the Cardinals as fits for two off-ball linebackers in Shaq Leonard and Sione Takitaki.

"Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon coached Leonard with the Indianapolis Colts in the early stages of his career, and he helps him get his career back on track here on a defense that needs reinforcements and leadership," wrote Pro Football Focus. There was no written explanation for Takitaki.

The linebacker position is held down by Kyzir White, who will be returning from a season-ending bicep injury in 2024. White still led the team in tackles despite playing in just 11 games.

I know I've tweeted this before but it still amazes me how #AZCardinals LB Kyzir White led the team in tackles despite heading to Injured Reserve after 11 games.

90 tackles. 2 sacks. 3 passes defensed. 1 interception.

Such an underrated signing. Can't wait to see him back.
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) January 10, 2024

Leonard seems like he would be a great fit next to White, as the 28-year-old is familiar with Gannon's defensive philosophies and would provide another layer of leadership on the defensive side of the ball.

Takitaki's numbers don't exactly jump off the page from last season with 65 tackles in 15 games, though his availability (has played in 15 games in all but one season) could be useful in a Cardinals LB rotation that suffered hefty injuries throughout 2023.

Arizona is slated to have $56.8 million in cap space according to OverTheCap.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Cardinals and was syndicated with permission.

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