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The Notion Of Adding More Depth At Pass Rusher

The Cardinals are still keeping an eye on the roster. That was made clear this week when they re-signed veteran cornerback Kevin Peterson despite already reaching the 90-man limit. Heading into an offseason in which there might not be on-field work would seem to slow the potential churn of the roster, seeing that coaches and the front office can't see a guy in action (and potentially determine they may need to move on from him even before training camp -- something that happens with a handful of guys every year.)

There are a couple of spots where you could see the Cardinals making an addition, although unlike some years, it'd be strictly about depth -- I don't see a need for a starter on either side of the ball, at least not one you could find right now. But depth? Maybe a tight end. Maybe a safety. The other spot? Pass rusher.

Right now, Haason Reddick is the top reserve pass rusher, and while there are other options on the roster, it wasn't a surprise to see in an ESPN article about the best fits for the remaining "name" free agents that there was one vote (from Jeremy Fowler) to put veteran pass rusher Clay Matthews in a Cardinals uniform.

Matthews had eight sacks last season for the Rams -- his best sack total since 2014 -- and if he were willing to be a reserve and have a reduced salary, he might make some sense. Clearly, Steve Keim over the years has had no issues adding an older sack master to the roster, at all different parts of the year, whether it was right away in free agency (Terrell Suggs), at the outset of training camp (John Abraham) or into the regular season (Dwight Freeney.) The Cardinals also picked up Cassius Marsh at the end of the preseason last year.

Whether it is Matthews or someone else, the reserve outside linebacker role still could be TBD. Finding another guy to add to Reddick, Chandler Jones and Devon Kennard remains possible.

Rams LB Clay Matthews harasses Cardinals QB Kyler Murray during a 2019 game.
Rams LB Clay Matthews harasses Cardinals QB Kyler Murray during a 2019 game.

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