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What are the Arizona Cardinals doing at linebacker this offseason?
Kyzir White is a free agent and someone I'd like to see return. Whether he stays or goes will affect the urgency to replace him. However, even if White re-signs the Cardinals could stand to upgrade the position.
This upcoming offseason has a handful of quality linebackers available. Free agency has veterans as far as the eye can see, and a few longtime starters are up for trade. The 2025 NFL Draft is deep defensively, but the linebacker pool is middling.
How should Arizona move forward with the linebacker spot? That's a great question and I'm glad you asked!
Below are my favorite fits for linebacker via free agent, trade, or draft pick.
HEADS UP: I am NOT including Kyzir White with the free agent choice here. I am focusing on non-Cardinals, but FWIW you will find me in the camp to re-sign White. Now then...
Free Agency
Eric Kendricks (Cowboys)
It feels like we've been waiting for Kendricks to fall off for the last couple of years and instead he continues to be one of the league's 10-15 best linebackers. His most recent stint with the Cowboys was masterful, recording 138 tackles (71 solo) to go with three sacks and three interceptions.
Kendricks has long been one of the league's most underrated and underappreciated defenders in his 10 pro seasons and it feels like that will simply be the story of his career. Thankfully, his employers are always happy to have him around.
The Cardinals should be very interested in adding Kendricks to their defense. A smart veteran in the front seven is what they need in order to stay stout and Kendricks can help the young guys learn their spots. Hopefully, Arizona will bring in a young player (preferably a rookie) to teach and develop.
If White is gone in free agency, the I'm putting my chips all in on Kendricks.
Keep an eye on...
Bobby Wagner (Commanders)
The ageless wonder and future Hall of Famer continues to deny Father Time's claim over his career. Wagner balled out in Washington for his age 34 season with 132 tackles (75 solo) and two sacks. The numbers may have been down compared to his previous two seasons, but he looks as fresh as ever.
Wagner is 162 tackles away from 2,000 in his career and I suspect he won't want to hang up the cleats until he hits that number. The Cardinals would love to host the former division rival and have him take command of this budding defense.
Even at 35-years-old (birthday is over the summer), Wagner could still be a force to be reckoned with.
Trade:
Quay Walker (Packers)
The youngest guy on this list who isn't in the 2025 NFL Draft. Walker and the Packers appear to be headed separate ways after making the Georgia defender a round one selection in 2022. There have been several ups and downs in Walker's three pro seasons, but it may be time for a change.
I previously looked at if the Cardinals could entertain a trade for Walker and I am all-in on the move. Walker is still plenty young and has shown the flashes of what makes a linebacker great. The need for consistency is prevalent and as I've said a million times I trust this coaching staff.
You can likely get Walker for a bargain and kick the tires on him for a year and then reevaluate. You could always just pick up his fifth-year option as well if you're feeling froggy.
Keep an eye on...
Germaine Pratt (Bengals)
The longtime Bengal has requested a trade and Cincinnati may have to move on from their leader whether they want to or not. The Cardinals make sense to be a team who calls.
Pratt has been one of the most consistent linebackers in the league the last several years, accumulating 616 tackles in six seasons. A team in need of linebacker depth would love to have the soon-to-be 29-year-old. Pratt is another good veteran for the Cards to fancy and he's much younger than the previously mentioned guys.
Draft
Carson Schwesinger (UCLA)
I originally had Alabama's Jihaad Campbell listed, but I am pivoting to Schwesinger -- who I feel is more of a true linebacker than Campbell, a guy I love to rush the passer from the inside. But for what it's worth, I love both and I'd welcome either to the team.
But with Schwesinger, the Cardinals are adding one of the more reliable defenders in the class. Need pass rushing? Check. Run defense? Check. Pass coverage? Check.
There are strengths for Schwesinger across the board. However, the UCLA defender fits the saying of, "A jack of all trades, but a master of none."
What I like most about Schwesinger is his fit for the defense right out of the gate. I believe Gannon and Rallis can find the Bruin a spot quickly and get the most out of him. As a likely day two pick, this is a perfect scenario.
Keep an eye on...
Cody Simon (Ohio State)
Simon had big shoes to fill when Liam Eichenberg departed for the NFL and he stepped in nicely as a run defender. There is quite a need for improvement in pass coverage, but take things one step at a time.
For now, Simon is a day three pick that needs coaching up. The athleticism is there for the 6'2 and 235 lbs 'backer. AZ can find a role for him to get his feet underneath him and with any luck develop him into a starter down the road.
More must-reads:
- Colts' QB decision makes no sense, sets stage for wasted season
- New report sheds light on how Cowboys view Micah Parsons situation
- The '2024 NFL rushing TD leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Chicago Bears looking at bringing back familiar face at running back
The Chicago Bears don’t appear satisfied with their running back room with one week left to decide the 53-man roster. The Bears have until Aug. 26 to make their final cuts before preparing for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. The Bears entered training camp with questions at running back. Veteran D’Andre Swift had a down year in 2024. Roschon Johnson isn’t a long-term solution, and seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai will have a steep learning curve when the regular season begins. The Chicago Bears worked out a former running back Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC, the Bears worked out running backs Royce Freeman, undrafted rookie Kylin James and former Carolina Panthers practice-squad player Dillon Johnson. Royce Freeman played with the Bears in 2024 Of the three, Freeman is the only running back with stats at the NFL level. Freeman, a third-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018, has appeared in 79 games and started nine games. He’s rushed 471 times for 1,472 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bears signed Freeman to the practice squad in December. He was then signed to the Los Angeles Rams practice squad in January. He last played a regular-season game in 2023, when he added 319 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games for the Rams. The Bears are signaling their need for a running back this summer. There are other options available in the trade market, as the Washington Commanders are shopping Brian Robinson Jr. during the preseason. More running backs will be available after other teams trim their rosters to 53 players, but they might not be the type of athletes to make a significant boost for the offense early in the regular season.
Trade proposal: 49ers bolster running back depth amid injuries
The San Francisco 49ers recently attempted to trade for Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III but were beaten out by the Philadelphia Eagles, who reportedly made a stronger offer. Wide receiver remains a pressing need for the 49ers, with Deebo Samuel gone and Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Jordan Watkins all working their way back from injuries. However, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton argues that another position may need immediate attention—running back. He floated five potential trade packages for Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr., who, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, is being shopped around the league. Robinson has been a reliable starter, appearing in 41 games with 37 starts over three NFL seasons. He's rushed for 2,329 yards (4.1 yards per carry), caught 65 passes for 587 yards, and scored 20 total touchdowns (15 rushing, five receiving), per Pro Football Reference. Interestingly, Moton compared Robinson's value to former 49ers running back Jordan Mason, who was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in March. In his hypothetical scenario, San Francisco would send 2026 fourth- and sixth-round draft picks to Washington in exchange for Robinson, giving the 49ers proven depth behind star running back Christian McCaffrey. "Head coach Kyle Shanahan expects Isaac Guerendo to miss a few weeks with a shoulder injury," Moton noted. "Going back to last year, he's missed time because of minor injuries. Rookie fifth-rounder Jordan James underwent surgery on a broken finger." Additionally, two running backs suffered injuries this past weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders. Patrick Taylor will miss time with a dislocated shoulder, and Corey Kiner is out after sustaining a high-ankle sprain. San Francisco recently signed veteran running back Jeff Wilson Jr., who rejoins the team he started his NFL career with after a three-year stint with the Miami Dolphins. Wilson scored a touchdown against the Raiders in his first game back. "If the 49ers want to lighten Christian McCaffrey's workload, they must add a durable running back to the rotation," Moton added. "Robinson can grind out yards between the tackles, which would allow McCaffrey to stay fresh for the length of the regular season." Ultimately, whether San Francisco makes a move for Robinson—or any other running back—will depend on how quickly Guerendo, James, and the rest of the injured backs can return to action.
Russell Westbrook already made his biggest free-agency mistake
A first-ballot Hall of Famer whenever he decides to hang it up, Russell Westbrook has long been revered as one of the NBA's premier point guards, both with his aggressive play and infectious energy. Despite the former MVP's impressive resume, though, he remains unsigned nearly two months after free agency opened on June 30. It's no secret that Westbrook is no longer an All-Star-caliber player, but it's certainly jarring to see his name alongside the summer's other leftovers. Over the last two seasons, Russ has willingly accepted a bench role and shown his ability to contribute even without being the offense's focal point. He finished top-10 in Sixth Man of the Year voting with both the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023-24 and the Denver Nuggets in 2024-25. The Nuggets may have been Westbrook's most seamless fit since the 36-year-old left the Oklahoma City Thunder, which brings us to the key mistake he made this offseason: He decided to bet on himself when his career was trending south. It's understandable why Westbrook decided to decline his player option with Denver. $3.5 million is pocket change relative to today's NBA salaries, so it's possible the nine-time All-Star expected to land a bigger payday on name brand alone. But that's no longer the case with Westbrook. The Nuggets, like several teams before them, took a chance on Westbrook, whose play has been nothing short of a wild card in recent years. Alongside Nikola Jokic, though, he found success operating off-ball by utilizing his natural explosiveness, a sensible calling card for one of basketball history's most athletic playmakers. It seemed like the perfect spot for Westbrook to finish out his career. Instead, he has continued to seek out a more lucrative deal with a team that is looking to give him more offensive freedom. While the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks are both reportedly interested in adding his services, neither team can offer both a higher salary and an expanded role. It also seems unlikely that Westbrook will find a more seamless fit for himself than what he had in Denver. Whether it's due to his erratic offensive tendencies or his relentless determination to involve himself in every action, it's easy to see why teams have to talk themselves into Westbrook at this point in his career. It appears that Russ will finally be picked up soon, but the damage has already been done. The two-time scoring champion already gave up his best chance at winning a title once he departed from Denver.
Packers HC bothered by rookie's 'unacceptable' behavior during preseason game
Green Bay Packers right tackle Anthony Belton had a forgettable first half against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday when he committed five penalties in the first half. The rookie was called for a false start, two illegal formation penalties, a face mask and unnecessary roughness. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was peeved by the unnecessary roughness penalty, which the second-round pick was called for when he pushed Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards from behind after the play. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, LaFleur "let Belton have it" at halftime. Following the game, LaFleur explained to the media why that behavior bothers him — it hurts the team. “That’s the one that really bothers me because that is — I mean, they all bother me — but you can’t be getting personal fouls because that really hurts the team, puts you in a really tough position,” LaFleur said. “That is completely unacceptable in my mind. I appreciate the effort that he plays with and I thought he did a really nice job…I love the effort. It’s just, you got to be smart in those situations.” Belton's penalties were costly for the Packers. One of the illegal formation flags took away what would have been a touchdown pass from quarterback Taylor Elgersma to tight end Ben Sims. The 15-yard penalty on the unnecessary roughness call turned a manageable 3rd-and-5 into a 3rd-and-20. Saturday's preseason game is a learning experience for the 2023 third-team All-ACC offensive lineman. The Packers can't have Belton on the field if he's going to commit that many penalties, and the unnecessary roughness mistake would have been easy to avoid.
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