The Cardinals weren't very active in the free-agent market, other than to re-sign some of their own players. But they did make a few key additions. Here's a breakdown of our top three.
RG Adam Snyder: Signed to a five-year contract in March, Snyder is considered an upgrade over last season’s starter, Rex Hadnot, who was released along with his backup, Deuce Lutui. Snyder was the division rival San Francisco 49ers' starting right guard in 2011 and spent his first seven seasons with the Niners. The Cards also like his versatility. He has started at both tackle positions, both guard positions and even played a few snaps at center last season.
CB William Gay: The Cards didn’t plan to address the cornerback spot in free agency until Richard Marshall departed for a lucrative deal with the Miami Dolphins. Gay is not on par with Marshall, who also filled in at safety last season for injured Kerry Rhodes, but he knows defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s system better than most because he played for the Steelers for the first five years of his career. Horton was an assistant in Pittsburgh for seven seasons before joining the Cards’ staff last season.
FS James Sanders: In a perfect world, Sanders won’t play many snaps. The Cards would like free safety Kerry Rhodes on the field as much as possible, but Rhodes missed nine games last season with a broken foot. William Gay may be able to fill in at safety and Rashad Johnson is also available, but Sanders adds veteran depth. Sanders played last season for the Falcons and spent the previous six seasons with the Patriots, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2005. He started 50 of 84 regular-season games for the Patriots and six games last season for the Falcons.
For more news and analysis from Cardinals blogger Craig Morgan, follow @CBSSportsNFLARI on Twitter.
