Assessment of Day 3 of free agency for the Arizona Cardinals

Cards poised to break out the Phi Slamma Bama defensive lineup

Our good friend, Andy Kwong, before logging off of X yesterday, put out this urgent request:

Clearly, Andy had been feeling the frustration that many Cardinals’ fans were feeling while spending 3 days watching the best free agent defensive tackles get scooped up by other teams, the most galling of which perhaps was watching the Vikings sign Jonathan Allen AND Javon Hargrave in the span of an hour on Tuesday.

For most of the day and into the evening yesterday, Cardinals’ fans’ frustrations were reaching a crescendo, as they watched another day of signing second stringers and special teams’ players, while there was still such an urgent need for a game-changing, slobber knocking defensive tackle.

And lo and behold, mere minutes after the Browns released veteran DT Dalvin Tomlinson, Monti Ossenfort jumped on the opportunity to woo the BIG FELLA, by outbidding two other teams to be able to sign him to a 2-year $19M deal, with $16M guaranteed.

Thus, just like that, POOF, whatever angst Cardinals’ fans were feeling “up and vanished like a fart in the wind (Shawshank Redemption).”

The thing is —- I don’t know about you —- I believe that it just so happens that Dalvin Tomlinson appears to be the best physical fit for what the Cardinals need at defensive tackle amongst the several big-name tackles who were signed on Days 1 and 2.

Exhibit A:

“We will, we will MAUL you!”

Exhibit B:

“Big wheels keep on turning, proud Tomli, keeps on rollin’!”

Exhibit C:

“Done everything that a man can do —- everything to get a hold on you!”

Exhibit D:

“Under pressure!…”

What the Cardinals have now accomplished in addressing their defensive front 7 needs is getting bigger and much more physical up front and demonstrably faster at the linebacker positions.

Two Deep:

• LOLB: Zaven Collins, B.J. Ojulari
• LDE: Dante Stills, L.J. Collier*
• NT Dalvin Tomlinson*, Bilal Nichols
• RDE: Darius Robinson, Justin Jones
• ROLB: Josh Sweat*, Baron Browning
• LILB: Akeem David-Gaither*, Mykal Walker*
• RILB: Mack Wilson Jr., Owen Pappoe

2025 UFA Additions*

It also should be noted that the addition of Dalvin Tomlinson can facilitate more formidable 4-man fronts, when called upon.

Furthermore, Monti Ossenfort has now accomplished not only a robust fortification of the team’s talent on the defensive front 7, he has adroitly enabled his college scouting team the flexibility to draft the best player available with each of the team’s picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Andy Kwong got his wish!

Did you?