Cardinals, Marquis Haynes agree to deal

The Cardinals are making a free agent addition along the edge. Pass rusher Marquis Haynes has agreed to a deal with Arizona, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports.

The team recently worked out an extension for Zaven Collins, and the former inside linebacker will remain a key contributor on the edge for the foreseeable future as a result. Arizona lost second-year player BJ Ojulari to an ACL tear, though, creating the need for depth in the pass rush department. Haynes will look to provide that in the desert this season.

The latter had spent his entire six-year career with the Panthers, making 71 appearances during that span. Haynes only made two starts but remained consistent in terms of usage and production. The 30-year-old recorded between three and five sacks each season from 2020-22. He was limited to seven games last year, something which helps explain his lengthy stay on the open market.

Carolina recently hosted a number of veteran edge rush options, and Haynes was among them. The former fourth-rounder did not reunite with the team, however, paving the way for today’s agreement with the Cardinals. Improving on the edge will be a key 2024 priority for Arizona, and Haynes will play a role in that respect if he manages to make the team’s 53-man roster.

Aside from Collins, the Cardinals also have Dennis Gardeck, L.J. Collier, Cameron Thomas and Xavier Thomas in place as edge rush options. Arizona entered Tuesday with more than $35M in cap space, and this addition will not eat into the figure to a large extent. Haynes will use the remainder of training camp and the preseason to compete for playing time in the wake of Ojulari’s injury.