Arizona Cardinals given a 'B' in early NFL free agency grades
The Arizona Cardinals have made a number of moves in NFL free agency. Three can be considered significant, while the rest have been minor.
They signed pass rusher Josh Sweat to a four-year, $76.4 million contract. They added defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson on a two-year $29 million deal and signed backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett to a two-year, $12.5 million contract.
They re-signed several players and added some linebackers, a receiver and an offensive lineman.
Now we are beginning to see grades come in. Pro Football Network graded all 32 team's first week of free agency.
The Cardinals get a B.
Early on, the Arizona Cardinals addressed their biggest need by reuniting edge rusher Josh Sweat with his former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Sweat provides an important boost to a pass rush that has ranked in the bottom 10 in each of Gannon’s first two seasons as head coach.
Otherwise, there are still plenty of shoes to drop for Arizona. None of the Cardinals’ major free agents agreed to deals during the two-day negotiating period. Linebacker Kyzir White and guard Will Hernandez are among the starters who could depart.
Their best move wasn't even the addition of Sweat. It was nabbing former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson after he was released in a cap-saving move. His presence will make it so Sweat can get to the quarterback and so the linebackers behind him can clean things up.
A 'B' is exactly the grade I would give the Cardinals. They made a great move with Tomlinson, a pair of no-brainer moves with Sweat and Brissett. Everything else is just fine.
While they were slow to get off the ground and swung and missed at big-ticket free agents like defensive lineman Milton Williams and guard Will Fries, they are in a better spot than they were to end last season.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL free agency grades: Arizona Cardinals given 'B' by one outlet
Topics
-
Grading the Arizona Cardinals' most recent free agent moves
After grading the Cardinals' initial moves in free agency, we have more grades, looking at the rest of the moves they have made.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
The Arizona Cardinals' 3 best moves in NFL free agency
The Arizona Cardinals wrapped up the first week of free agency making a bunch of moves. These three were their best ones.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
7-round post-free agency mock draft has Arizona Cardinals going defense early
Check out the 7-round projections from Pro Football Network for the Arizona Cardinals in a new post-free agency mock draft.Yahoo Sports - 19h -
2 great NFL free agency moves by Arizona Cardinals they hope they don't need
Two of the Arizona Cardinals' moves in free agency were for players that ideally won't have to play much in 2025.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Arizona Cardinals' projected starting lineup after NFL free agency
With some new additions and some returning free agents, we take a look at what the Cardinals' starting lineup would look right now.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
7-round Arizona Cardinals mock draft after 1 week of NFL free agency
With the first week of free agency in the books, check out this seven-round mock draft simulation for the Cardinals.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
NFL free agency grades: Chris Godwin, Justin Reid among best early signings
A lot of top NFL free agents came off the board in the early stages of free agency. Which signings were the best of the bunch?Yahoo Sports - 2d -
NFL free agency grades: Bears, Broncos, Vikings impress in first wave, Texans confound
Plenty of NFL teams have made significant upgrades in the early stages of free agency. Here's a look at the best- and worst-graded teams.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Cardinals free agency grades, reactions, recaps
Jess Root and Seth Cox react to the Cardinals' moves in free agency in the latest edition of the podcast.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Yahoo Sports releases early NFL Free Agency grades
The Minnesota Vikings received praise from Yahoo! Sports for their work during the first week of free agency.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Steelers fans may be surprised over PFF's recent free agency grades
PFF recently released their grades for the 2025 free agency signings. The Steelers were given a generous grade.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Arizona Cardinals ranked in top half of new post-free agency power rankings
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in the upper half of the league in Pro Football Network's new post-free agency power rankings.Yahoo Sports - 16h -
Post-free agency mock draft has Arizona Cardinals selecting WR
The Cardinals do not go with a defensive player in this post-free agency first-round mock draftYahoo Sports - 19h -
NFL Free Agency: ESPN gives Tennessee Titans an 'A' for Dan Moore signing
The Tennessee Titans made a splash early in free agency signing tackle Dan Moore to a mega deal. This move earns the Titans a solid A grade from ESPN.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
NFL free agency 2025: 10 teams that addressed massive roster needs with early moves
NFL free agency can provide a quick fix for teams facing a pressing need, and the Bears and Cardinals were among those who paid up to solve a problem.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Colts NFL free agency: What grades did Indianapolis get for their signings?
What grades did NFL analysts give the Indianapolis Colts for their free agent signings?Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Jaguars free agency: What grades did Jacksonville get for their signings?
What grades did NFL analysts give the Jacksonville Jaguars for their nine free agent signings?Yahoo Sports - 2d -
49ers NFL free agency moves receive embarrassing grade from PFF
Pro Football Focus gave the 49ers low marks on their NFL free agency moves thus far.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Jaguars way too early 53-man roster prediction after first wave of NFL free agency
After the first wave of NFL free agency, here is a way too early projection of the Jaguars' 53-man roster.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Arizona Cardinals get good grade for free agent deal with LB Josh Sweat
ESPN believes that the Cardinals' four-year deal for Josh Sweat has the potential to be a bargain.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Who are the early winners and losers of NFL free agency?
A flurry of moves to kick off free agency included good news for Tom Brady and Cam Ward. Meanwhile, it was a little rough for Aaron Rodgers and the Bengals.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Saints get mediocre free agent grade for bringing back IOL Will Clapp after three seasons
The Saints didn't get any applause for signing Will Clapp, at least not in Bleacher Reports' NFL free agency grades.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
2025 NFL free agency Day 1 grades: Jets get 'A' for Justin Fields bet, Seahawks earn 'B' for Sam Darnold deal
Which clubs are doing the best out of the gate?CBS Sports - 6d -
2025 NFL free agency Day 3 grades: Vikings earn 'A' for Javon Hargrave deal, Steelers get 'B-' for Darius Slay
Which teams improved the most on WednesdayCBS Sports - 3d -
Colts way too early 53-man roster prediction after first wave of NFL free agency
Here is a way-too-early look ahead at what the Colts' 53-man roster could look like for the 2025 season following the first wave of NFL free agency.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Five NFL teams that still have big holes to fill after early free agency
NFL free agency can be a platform for teams to address their needs. But it can also create or exacerbate issues, as several franchises have learned.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
2025 NFL free agency: Titans signing ex-Steelers LT Dan Moore Jr. to four-year, $82 million deal, per report
Tennessee splurges on the offensive line early in free agencyCBS Sports - 6d -
NFL free agency grades: Guess who is getting an A?
Between a few big trades and a flurry of overall activity, aggressive teams improved. But some teams took hits with players leaving.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Tennessee Titans depth chart: Roster projections after Week 1 of NFL free agency 2025
The Tennessee Titans' roster is beginning to reveal itself after early days of NFL free agency 2025. Here's where Will Levis stands before the NFL draft.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
NFL Free Agency: What grade did the Titans receive for Dre'Mont Jones signing?
The Tennessee Titans added some depth to the defensive line with the signing of Dre'Mont Jones. This move earns the Titans an average grade from ESPN.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Grading each Cowboys move in 2025 free agency: Dallas goes bargain bin shopping despite plenty of cap space
The Cowboys have $37.6 million in effective cap space, the 10th-most in the NFL, after an active free agency runCBS Sports - 12h -
Eagles' projected depth chart following the initial wave of NFL free agency
With the second wave of free agency set to pick up steam, we're looking at an early depth chart prediction for the Philadelphia EaglesYahoo Sports - 2d -
Agent's Take: 10 contract-related thoughts, observations from 2025 NFL free agency and early part of offseason
Ten thoughts and observations relating to the early part of the offseasonCBS Sports - 2d -
2025 NFL free agency Day 2 grades: Falcons get 'A+' for Leonard Floyd deal, Bills get 'C' for adding Joey Bosa
Which teams are doing the best out of the gate in free agency?CBS Sports - 4d -
2025 NFL free agency Day 2 winners and losers: Vikings making huge splash, Cowboys doing little with cap room
A look at which teams are standing out early on in free agencyCBS Sports - 4d -
2025 NFL free agency team-by-team grades: Vikings, Patriots, Commanders among top marks after first few days
Here's how each team has fared through three days of free agencyCBS Sports - 12h -
Free Agency Grades: Darnold to Seattle, Fields to the Jets, Adams to LA! | Football 301
Nate Tice and Matt Harmon break down free agency's biggest moves and give grades for each signing.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
2025 New York Giants free agency: Experts, insiders offer mixed grades
The first wave of free agency is over and the New York Giants have earned a wide range of grades from experts and analysts.Yahoo Sports - 23h -
NFL Free Agency: Titans earn high marks for Kevin Zeitler signing
The Tennessee Titans upgraded their offensive line with the signing of Kevin Zeitler. This move earns the Titans a solid A grade from ESPN.Yahoo Sports - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
ASK IRA: Are the Heat at a point where it’s all about beating the bad?
Q: Once again the Miami Heat have made their opponent look like zillion dollars. They simply are a bad team who may well be quitting. My hope of a .500 year is totally gone. There is nothing to ...Yahoo Sports - 15m -
Williams: Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins deals give Bengals fans hope for years to come
Williams: What do the Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins deals do for the Bengals? Give fans hope about winning a Super Bowl for years to come.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
What number will new Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil wear in 2025?
New Washington Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil picks his jersey number for next season.Yahoo Sports - 21m -
Premier League Team of the Week – Fernandes, Elanga, Baleba
Our Premier League Team of the Week from the weekend’s action, as we celebrate the finest performances across the division.Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford – EvertonAs ever, important for Everton in th...Yahoo Sports - 23m -
Why Alexander Sorloth’s goal against Barcelona was not ruled out by VAR
Atletico Madrid appeared to have taken full control of their La Liga heavyweight clash against Barcelona, when Alexander Sorloth made it six games in a row scoring against the Catalan giants. ...Yahoo Sports - 28m
More in Sports
-
Source: Pulisic in talks over new AC Milan deal
United States national team star Christian Pulisic is in negotiations with AC Milan over a new contract, a source has told ESPN.ESPN - 6m -
ASK IRA: Are the Heat at a point where it’s all about beating the bad?
Q: Once again the Miami Heat have made their opponent look like zillion dollars. They simply are a bad team who may well be quitting. My hope of a .500 year is totally gone. There is nothing to ...Yahoo Sports - 15m -
Williams: Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins deals give Bengals fans hope for years to come
Williams: What do the Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins deals do for the Bengals? Give fans hope about winning a Super Bowl for years to come.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
What number will new Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil wear in 2025?
New Washington Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil picks his jersey number for next season.Yahoo Sports - 21m -
Premier League Team of the Week – Fernandes, Elanga, Baleba
Our Premier League Team of the Week from the weekend’s action, as we celebrate the finest performances across the division.Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford – EvertonAs ever, important for Everton in th...Yahoo Sports - 23m