The Cardinals are planning to make a pitch for Kirk Cousins once the tampering window opens Monday, but they are not believed to be the favorite. However, not landing a player who is expected to sign the richest contract in NFL history would open the door for Arizona’s cap space to be used elsewhere.
And Andrew Norwell has come up. The Cardinals plan to pursue the UFA guard prize, Mike Jurecki of Fox 59 tweets.
While Arizona doesn’t reside on the high end of the cap-space spectrum, the most associated with Norwell during this free agency period — the Giants — have about the same amount. The Cards have Mike Iupati and Evan Boehm under contract. Alex Boone is back in free agency.
Like the Giants, the Cardinals have an obvious connection to Norwell. Each of Norwell’s four seasons in Charlotte came while new Cards HC Steve Wilks was on staff.
Arizona struggled badly on the ground last season, ranking 30th in rushing yards per game and last in the league with 3.4 yards per carry. Norwell is viewed as the top offensive lineman in this year’s class.
I know the tampering period begins tomorrow but anyone know the exact time? Not like teams haven’t already been talking to agents but just curious when they legally can lol
I feel like spending heavily on Norwell wouldn’t make a ton of sense for a team with numerous holes to fill and a run game that will fix itself with the return of Johnson
Several holes at o-line. This would fill one. I see cards going after McCarron and signing to a 3 year 50 mil deal, a 2 year 12 mil deal for Paul Richardson or Mike Wallace and drafting a tackle, qb, and cb.
Panthers are so cheap. Just bring Norwell back.
They can’t really afford to. They just gave their other guard (Trai Turner) a big contract. You can’t really tie up too much money in the offensive line either. And you do need to be smart with money down the line for raises and extensions for other players. Plus, with the franchise in the midst of being sold, the Panthers likely won’t make any big signings/extensions until a new ownership group is approved.