In 2023, the Arizona Cardinals had to deal with more than their share of injuries. That likely has impacted their strategy in free agency so far.
Almost all of their new additions are under 30 years old and, perhaps more importantly, have not missed many games.
Cards Wire’s Howard Balzer gave some key numbers about the Cardinals’ additions.
Of the 10 players from other teams added by the Cardinals in the last week, 6 played 17 games in 2023, 1 played 16, 1 played 14 and 2 played 14. Total is 161 played, 102 starts. Six started at least 13 games.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) March 21, 2024
Of the 10 players from other teams added by the Cardinals in the last week, six played 17 games in 2023, one played 16, one played 14 and two played 14. Total is 161 played, 102 starts. Six started at least 13 games.
General manager Monti Ossenfort was asked about whether adding durable players was purposeful.
“First and foremost, it starts with the tape and how we see players fitting with our group and our scheme,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “I think anytime we can add younger players in that age frame, durability being a big part of it. One of the biggest abilities is durability, being able to be out there every week.”
Defensive lineman Bilal Nichols, one of the additions, has not missed a game in the last four seasons.
“I take great pride in that,” Nichols said when he was introduced to the media after signing his three-year contract. Former teammates Maxx Crosby and Khalil Mack were examples for him.
“One thing those guys were, they’re tough,” Nichols said. “When I got in the league, I understood that. If you want to be a dude in this league and you want to earn the respect of your teammates, your coaches, your organization, you need a dude that’s going to be there every day and be the same dude every day.”
Ideally, the durability will continue in 2024. If that happens, things should be much different for the Cardinals, especially defensively.
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