Three Players Cardinals Should Target at Trade Deadline
The trade deadline is rapidly approaching and the Arizona Cardinals find themselves in an interesting position. While the team would make sense to be sellers, there aren't too many players that would fetch great value, at least none they would be willing to part with i.e. Budda Baker.
They could, however, do a bit of shopping themselves.
The Cardinals have been competitive this year and we shouldn't put it past them to try and continue improving to see if they can't find a way to win closer games. Being competitive and improving the roster is the most important thing this team can do right now, even if it's via trade.
For Monti Ossenfort and the Cardinals, I have three players in mind who I think could be solid pickups on the trade block without having to spend big capital for:
Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Chicago Bears
Johnson would be a perfect rental option for the Cardinals who could easily turn into a full-time starter for the team. In his fourth year in the league, Johnson has quietly developed into a quality outside corner for the Bears. However, the Bears are facing a rebuild and will likely be losing Johnson to free agency in March.
There should be plenty of suitors for Johnson's services when the time comes, but the Cardinals would be wise to kick the tires on him now. The corner play for the Cardinals has been underwhelming to say the least, although Garrett Williams has shown some promise.
The need for a top guy remains and Johnson would be a sneaky good addition.
The price to pay shouldn't be anything too crazy, either. This would be my first call if I were Ossenfort.
Possible compensation: Jaylon Johnson for a 2024 fourth-round pick
Terrace Marshall, Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
The Cardinals kicked the tires on a Panthers receiver last year in Robbie 'Chosen' Anderson with mixed results. Considering the compensation sent for Anderson, it's hard to say it was a failed pick. Perhaps the Cardinals would be willing to try again but this time with a more talented and certainly younger receiver.
Marshall was the other receiver at LSU when Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson were terrorizing opposing defenses. In his brief time in the pros, Marshall has appeared in 33 games with 14 starts and recorded 62 catches for 751 yards and a touchdown.
After a solid season a year ago, Marshall no longer appears to be a part of the Panthers' plans moving forward.
The former second-round pick can be an above-the-rim player similar to Michael Wilson to give some more size to the room. With one more year on his deal after this season, the Cards will have ample time to see what he can bring to the table.
Possible compensation: Terrace Marshall for a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick
Derek Barnett, Edge Rusher, Philadelphia Eagles
I have no idea if the Eagles are willing to move Barnett, but I see no reason for them not to considering their depth at the position and the lack of playing time Barnett has seen. Barnett tore his ACL a year ago, but Philly has seen the position stockpile with guys like Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat becoming household names, while the team recently spent a first-round pick on Nolan Smith.
Barnett's role with the team is dissipating by the week.
Meanwhile, in the desert, the Cardinals could stand to add more to their pass-rushing room, and who better to do so than with a guy with whom Jonathan Gannon has some familiarity? Gannon was with the Eagles for two seasons including a 2021 year that saw Barnett post a career-high in tackles (46) to go along with 11 TFLs, 11 QB hits, and 2.5 sacks.
This isn't a ground-shattering trade acquisition, but it does make sense to connect some dots between previous experience and a need at the position. Barnett will also be just 28 years old next summer so he can be a fixture for the defense for a while if all goes according to plan.
Possible compensation: Derek Barnett and a 2024 seventh-round pick for a 2024 fifth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick.
