This morning brought a significant update in the NFL world as reports surfaced indicating that the Tennessee Titans have granted Harold Landry III permission to seek a trade. With Landry’s talents now potentially on the move, one team that stands out as a prime candidate to pursue him is the Arizona Cardinals.
Let’s delve into why Landry could be a perfect fit in Arizona’s defensive scheme.
A Familiar Connection
One of the compelling reasons for Landry’s potential transition to Arizona is the link between him and the Cardinals’ general manager, Monti Ossenfort. During Landry’s breakout season in Tennessee, Ossenfort was part of the Titans’ front office, giving him firsthand knowledge of what Landry can bring to the table. This connection could facilitate a smoother negotiation process. You can bet that Ossenfort is leveraging his Tennessee ties and has likely already reached out to the Titans about Landry’s availability and what it might take to bring him to the desert.
The Need for Pass Rush
The Cardinals are searching for a boost in their pass-rush production, and Landry could be just the jolt they need. Last season, Arizona ranked 14th in the league with a total of 41 sacks, and leading sack producer Zaven Collins managed just five. That’s a telling sign that the Cardinals could benefit from a more formidable presence on the edge. Landry has consistently shown his ability to produce, racking up 50.5 sacks over the past six seasons—including a solid nine sacks in each of the last two seasons. If he makes the move to Arizona, he would immediately enhance a pass-rush unit that needs more firepower.
Contract Considerations
Another attractive aspect of acquiring Landry for Arizona is the opportunity to secure him for the long term. With Landry in the final year of his current deal, the Cardinals could negotiate an extension that keeps him around while potentially lowering his cap hit. Imagine a contract structured over four years at around $86 million—an average of about $20 million annually. This type of deal would not only reward Landry for his contributions but also position Arizona favorably for ongoing salary cap management.
Here’s a potential breakdown of that deal:
- Year 1: $10 million salary, $10 million signing bonus
- Year 2: $8 million salary, $12 million bonus
- Year 3: $8 million salary, $14 million bonus
- Year 4: $10 million salary, $14 million bonus
If Landry can maintain his level of productivity and stay healthy, this contract could turn out to be a savvy investment for the Cardinals.
Draft Capital Considerations
To land Landry, Arizona may need to come in strong with their draft capital. Given the interest he will attract from various teams, the Cardinals must be prepared to make a competitive offer. A plausible trade scenario could involve the Cardinals sending a 2025 third-round pick along with another third-rounder in 2026 to the Titans, while receiving Landry and potentially a sixth-round pick in return. This trade would give Tennessee solid value, including a top-100 pick next season.
In summary, with Landry now available, expect a lively market for his services, as teams aggressively seek ways to enhance their pass rush. The Eagles demonstrated the impact a strong pass-rushing unit can have in the Super Bowl, and many franchises will be looking to replicate that success as the offseason unfolds. For the Cardinals, making a play for Harold Landry could be a crucial step towards fortifying their defense and amplifying their competitive edge in the NFC West.
