BREAKING: Understand Cardinals’ in-house free agent re-signings

The NFL Draft Combine often focuses on the next generation of professional players, but for the Arizona Cardinals and the rest of the league, this week is about thoroughly exploring all options to address team needs.

However, attention will soon shift back to the players already on NFL rosters, especially with the league’s salary cap reportedly set at $279.2 million for the year.

As the new league year and free agency approach, securing in-house players will be a top priority for general manager Monti Ossenfort and the Cardinals front office.

“This is definitely a priority for us. We had many players last year who provided quality depth and even started for us. We’ll work to get these deals done because it takes both sides to make it happen,” said Ossenfort. “They’ll need to make their decisions, and once free agency begins, anything can happen. So, this will absolutely be a priority for us in the next few weeks.”

While much of the focus has been on external improvements, there are several free agents on the Cardinals’ roster who made significant contributions and are being considered for a return.

Many of these players, including offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum and Evan Brown, defensive linemen L.J. Collier and Roy Lopez, linebacker Krys Barnes, and pass rusher Baron Browning, have already been mentioned as potential re-signing candidates.

All but Barnes started at least one game last season, with Brown (17) and Lopez (16) leading the group.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see a few familiar faces return before free agency begins. The team has already shown a commitment to extending deals with James Conner, Hjalte Froholdt, Budda Baker, and Zaven Collins, who were all in the final year of their contracts before securing extensions in 2024.

The focus has been on maintaining continuity while also making necessary upgrades, particularly in pass rushing and the defensive line. The Cardinals also have ample cap space, with $74.6 million available, according to OverTheCap.

Someone’s missing from potential Arizona Cardinals reunions

One player who hasn’t received as much attention for a potential return this offseason, despite making a strong case, is MIKE linebacker Kyzir White.

While financial factors may play a role—especially considering White’s standout performance last season—re-signing the hard-hitting linebacker, who followed head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis from Philadelphia, seems like a logical move.

In addition to being a team captain and providing physicality in the middle of the defense, White had an impressive season, recording 137 tackles (the second most of his career) over 17 starts, alongside Mack Wilson Sr.

White’s leadership and mentality were so impactful that Rallis even named his son after him.

Despite all this, there has been little buzz surrounding a potential re-signing.

Instead, fans have been left to interpret his Instagram post thanking Arizona, as well as Wilson’s public appreciation for White’s contributions to the team.

Should White leave, inside linebacker would rise higher on the team’s list of positional needs. While Wilson has shown he can be a key contributor, Owen Pappoe is still developing, having primarily played on special teams rather than as a defender.

Although Barnes has 33 games and six starts under the current regime, additional help would still be necessary at the position if White departs.

Even though White may demand a higher salary after his two-year, $10 million deal, bringing him back would align well with Arizona’s goals for Year 3 under the current leadership.