Arizona Cardinals 2021 free agency outlook

The Arizona Cardinals have some fairly notable free agents going into the off-season. One-time cornerstone players like Patrick Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald are set to hit the open market. They also have decisions to make around the likes of Haason Reddick and Kelvin Beachum. There are some big decisions as the Cardinals look to get over the hump and into the playoffs. General manager Steve Keim is going to have his work cut out for him.

Lost revenue due to COVID-19 will impact every team, but with so many free agents the likely drop in the league wide salary cap number could make things difficult. The 2020 number was around $198 million, while the 2021 number could drop to $180.5 million according to Over The Cap, but is subject to change.

Salary cap

Estimated 2021 cap space (Jan 19): $24,814,420

Franchise/Transition Tag possibilities

Cornerback Patrick Peterson and linebacker Haason Reddick are the two most likely candidates. Peterson hasn’t been quite the lockdown corner of late, but remains a big part of the defense. The Cardinals declined Reddick’s fifth year option, but he’s looking at a sizable pay day if the Cardinals do not tag him.

Last year, the Cardinals used the transition tag to retain Kenyan Drake. Chase Edmonds has impressed at times, but also dealt with injuries and the team’s unwillingness to use him more regularly.

2021 transactions

Free agent signings

TBD

Free agent departures

TBD

Trades

TBD

Notable free agents