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Arizona Cardinals: Recapping the first wave of free agency

By Sayre Bedinger

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on before playing against the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on before playing against the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Cornerback Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after breaking up the 2-point attempt by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Cornerback Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after breaking up the 2-point attempt by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

February signings

The Cardinals wasted no time bringing in players who were cap casualties of other teams. With cap space and needs all over the roster, why wait?

Robert Alford, CB

Alford, a former second-round pick (2013) out of Southeast Louisiana has been a decent starter in the NFL up until this past season, when he really struggled.

He had a career-high 20 pass breakups in 2017, so Vance Joseph and the defensive staff will try to extract what they can out of him as a CB2 opposite Patrick Peterson.

Tanner Vallejo, LB

The former sixth-round pick out of Boise State started his career in Buffalo, and was prioritized on waivers last year by the Cleveland Browns. The Cardinals were excited to get him as a reserve inside linebacker/special teams ace when he hit waivers again this offseason.

Brooks Reed, OLB

The former second-round pick is going to be a reserve player for the Cardinals behind Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs, and offers a veteran presence at OLB/DE. Reed is capable of providing something off the edge but the Cardinals don’t want to be in a situation where he’s forced to start.

Charles Clay, TE

At the age of 30, Clay should still have some really good football left in him. At one point, he was a highly coveted all-around tight end capable of moving anywhere within the offensive formation.

He is a strong blocker and receiver, though he’s not a dynamic threat at the position. He could end up starting for the Cardinals this year.

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