2018 NFL Trade Machine: Malik Jackson to the Cardinals
By Erik Lambert
The Jacksonville Jaguars could be a big part of the 2018 NFL trade machine thanks in large part to their looming salary cap issues.
General feelings are the team may have to sacrifice one of their prominent players on the roster in order to regain some flexibility in their payroll. One name that has consistently stuck out for this is Malik Jackson. The defensive tackle was outstanding in 2018, notching eight sacks while helping the Jaguars defense to become one of the best in the NFL. He was a driving force both on and off the field. Money well spent.
Unfortunately, that big contract he signed two years ago is coming back to haunt them. Cutting him outright is impossible as they’d merely get $1 million in additional money on their cap. Conversely, a post-June 1st designation would only gain $3 million in space. On the other hand, if they were to trade him it would net a far more palatable $9.5 million in extra room. That sounds like the scenario that will appeal to the team most.
It’s a matter of finding a team that will be willing to take on that $15 million per year contract.
Arizona Cardinals in good position to take advantage of Jackson situation
One team that could be in the mix are the Arizona Cardinals. They’re in the middle of a defensive transition under new head coach Steve Wilks. He’ll install a 4-3 defensive scheme, one similar to what Jackson has thrived in this past year. One thing such a system requires is a defensive tackle who can get after the quarterback. As of now, the Cardinals can’t definitively say they have someone capable of filling that role.
Hopes are high former 1st round pick Robert Nkemdiche is ready to ascend but this is far from a guarantee. With a projected $48 million in cap space next season, that provides the Cardinals enough room to absorb Jackson’s contract. His addition to that defensive front along with Chandler Jones and Markus Golden could give Arizona a formidable defensive front, a vital key to a 4-3 defense thriving.
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This will likely come down to how close the team feels they are to getting back into playoff contention. Much of that hinges on their murky QB situation. If 10th overall pick Josh Rosen shows signs of thriving, this is the sort of aggressive move they can make to accelerate the rebound.