Zach Allen was arguably the biggest free agent the Cardinals had going into the offseason. Signing can't officially happen until Wednesday, but plenty of news came down Monday -- including multiple reports that Allen, the defensive lineman, would be signing with the Denver Broncos (and old/new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph) a three-year deal with $32.5 million in guarantees and up to potentially $45M.
Allen was a third-round pick in 2019. He had a excellent season in 2022, but he dealt with injuries in each of his four seasons. He was expected to get a lot of interest and he did.
With J.J. Watt's retirement and Allen's defection leaves the defensive line -- already thin -- in major need. It lines up well with what's going to be available at No. 3 -- Will Anderson, or maybe Jalen Carter -- but there is much more that will need to be done.
The first day was quiet for the Cardinals -- they did reportedly bring back tackle Kelvin Beachum, which should be announced Tuesday -- but there are holes to fill.
![Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Allen (94) during the 2022 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New England Patriots on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/cardinals/aktt35lu3i1lpzfkxk5o.jpg)