Did Arizona Cardinals Just Become Nick Fairley Players?

Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Fairley has had a strong cloud of trade rumors surrounding him of late in Detroit.  He may have a fresh suitor on the rise in the Arizona Cardinals.

Cardinals defense takes tough hit with loss of Darnell Dockett

Expectations are sky high for the defense in Arizona after finishing 9th overall in the league last season.  Their secondary has improved as has their pass rush.  Unfortunately, things took a serious step back when news came in that Darnell Dockett, one of their key defensive linemen and a team leader, is lost for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.  Dockett has remained one of the most consistently good linemen Arizona has ever had.  He helped with the pass rush last year and was a big reason why they were so hard to run against (84 yards allowed per game).  With him gone the Cardinals have to figure out how they can replace him.

Jim Caldwell and Detroit Lions continue to demote Fairley

Looking within their own roster is most likely the first option, but Arizona may end up scouring free agency and even the trading block for some solutions.  One name they need to track closely is Nick Fairley.  The Detroit Lions defensive tackle is coming off the best season of his career with 35 tackles and six sacks.  However, he has since fallen out of favor with the new coaching staff under Jim Caldwell, leading to his demotion from the starting lineup.  Most rumors believe it has to do with his lagging work ethic and weight problem.  This in turn has led to speculation the team may be trying to trade him, especially since they chose not to pick up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract.  At age 26 he is in his prime but now carries a red flag on his name.

The Arizona Cardinals don’t need that kind of distraction, but the idea of getting a talent like Fairley on the field with Calaise Campbell is hard to dismiss.  This is something that must be carefully thought over.