GLENDALE, Ariz. -- NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2023 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The first round of the 2023 NFL draft begins April 27 on ESPN.
The Arizona Cardinals enter free agency looking to restock about half of their 53-man roster. It’ll be the start of a roster overhaul by new general manager Monti Ossenfort and new head coach Jonathan Gannon. A few specific a priorities for a team coming off four wins: offensive line, cornerback and pass rush.
Last year’s free agency class included quarterback Colt McCoy, guard Will Hernandez, tight ends Zach Ertz and Maxx Williams, punter Andy Lee, running back James Conner and wide receiver A.J. Green.
Arizona tends not to make splash signings on the first day and have used free agency as a way to bring in aging stars who provide leadership in the locker room, but this is a new regime so anything can happen.
Here's a breakdown of every 2023 NFL free agent signing by the Cardinals, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Kris Boyd, cornerback
Boyd agreed to a one-year deal.
What it means: Although he's listed as a cornerback, Boyd comes to Arizona having played just 39 defensive snaps for the Minnesota Vikings last season. He'll add to an already deep special-teams unit and be available to fill in at corner if needed.
What's the risk: There's little to no risk in signing Boyd, especially since he can likely contribute significant snaps on special teams.
Rashad Fenton, cornerback
Fenton agreed to sign a one-year deal.
What it means: The Cardinals added some much-needed depth at cornerback with a veteran. Fenton played in 47 games with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2019-22, starting 16, and spent the end of last season with the Atlanta Falcons. Arizona has been looking for more corners and Fenton is a player who can come in compete with Antonio Hamilton for a starting role.
What's the risk: There's little risk to bringing Fenton in on a one-year deal. If anything, it's a prove-it season for him so the Cardinals could benefit from that.
Carlos Watkins, defensive tackle
Watkins agreed to a one-year deal.
What it means: Watkins adds another body to the Cardinals' D-line room, giving them added depth while also likely getting some starts depending on the package Arizona begins the game with.
What's the risk: Just like all the Cardinals' one-year deals, the Watkins' addition doesn't come with a lot of risk. He may get injured, but that's the same for everyone else on the roster.
L.J. Collier, defensive tackle
Collier agreed to terms on a one-year deal.
What it means: Collier gives the Cardinals more depth up front on a line that's lost two high-profile players in J.J. Watt and Zach Allen. Collier's someone who can play across the line and has the ability to come in and either start from Day 1 or can contribute significantly.
What's the risk: On a one-year deal, the risk is minimal. Even if Collier doesn't reach the heights of being a starter, he'll be a contributor and part of a rotation that'll use his talents.
Antonio Hamilton, cornerback
Hamilton agreed to terms on a one-year deal.
What it means: Hamilton was a much-needed piece for the Cardinals to keep in free agency. He could return to a starting job at cornerback, a position that was hurt by the loss of Byron Murphy. Hamilton overcame serious burns toward the end of training camp last season to become a starter. What was once a position in critical condition is now a position where the Cardinals only need another player or two to field a solid room.
What's the risk: As with all of Arizona's one-year deals, there isn't any risk. If Hamilton doesn't report for this coming season at the same level he was at last year, then he'll be a role player. If he does, than he'll likely be a starter again. Simple as that.
Josh Woods, linebacker
Woods, a former Lion, agreed to a one-year deal.
What it means: Woods will be primarily a depth player at linebacker but will have a key role on special teams, under ST coordinator Jeff Rodgers, who was retained by new head coach Jonathan Gannon. Woods is productive with his 10 solo special teams tackles last season, good for fifth-most in the NFL last season.
What's the risk: Another Cardinals' signing that comes with little to no risk. If he doesn't play many snaps at linebacker but excels at special teams, it's still a win for the Cardinals.
Jonathan Ledbetter, defensive tackle
Ledbetter agreed to terms to return on a one-year deal.
What it means: Ledbetter is one of the more unsung players on the Cardinals' defense. He had a great training camp and preseason last season but didn't get the type of reps he needed to continue to grow and shine. But when he did see the field, Ledbetter impressed. He has the opportunity to earn significant playing time this season during OTAs and minicamp.
What's the risk: Little to none. It's all upside for Ledbetter. He has the talent and size to be an every-down player for the Cardinals.
Zach Pascal, wide receiver
Pascal, a former Eagle, agreed to a terms on a two-year deal.
What it means: Pascal will add depth to a receiving corps that still doesn't know if it'll have a No. 1 option next season as it waits on DeAndre Hopkins' future to be decided. Pascal has a deep familiarity with head coach Jonathan Gannon having spent time with him in Philadelphia and with the Indianapolis Colts, so Gannon, having practiced against Pascal enough, obviously knows what he's getting and clearly likes it.
What's the risk: Pascal will have a few other role receivers to compete for snaps with, including Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch. If he can crack the rotation, which will also include Marquise Brown, then Pascal will have a significant role because he already had the trust of his head coach.
David Blough, quarterback
Blough agreed to return to the Cardinals on a one-year deal.
What it means: It depends. As of now, he's the only healthy quarterback on the roster, so Blough is penciled in as QB1 during OTAs and minicamp. That could change as soon as Colt McCoy gets healthy. How well Blough performs will determine whether he's just a camp body or the third-string quarterback as he was last year.
What's the risk: There's none.
Will Hernandez, offensive line
Hernandez re-signed a two-year deal to return to the Cardinals.
What it means: Arizona's offensive line for 2023 has quickly come into form and Hernandez is a piece of that. He'll likely be the starting right guard, where he played last season. He brings quarterback Kyler Murray, whenever he returns from his knee injury, another familiar face up front.
What's the risk: Just like any offensive lineman, the risk is injury. He missed three games last season with a pec injury.
Kyzir White, linebacker
White agreed to terms on a two-year deal.
What it means: The Cardinals added some much-needed depth at outside linebacker by bringing White into the mix. He'll fill any number of holes on Arizona's edge that were left open by the release of Markus Golden and not re-signing Zach Allen. White played mainly off-ball linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles last season but Gannon has said his scheme in Arizona will be multiple. White is a familiar face for both head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, who both coached White with the Eagles last season.
What's the risk: There really isn’t much. White will know what both Gannon and Rallis want because of his time with them and as an off-ball linebacker, he won’t have the expectation to get to the quarterback as much as other linebackers. However, any sacks he can get will be a major bonus for a defense looking desperately to get to the quarterback more in 2023.
Hjalte Froholdt, offensive lineman
The Cardinals agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the former Cleveland Brown.
What it means: Froholdt adds depth and flexibility at two positions this offensive line needs help in. He started four games at center last season for the Browns and two at guard -- positions Arizona needs help in. As of now, he will be given a chance to compete for the starting job at the vacant center and vacant left guard spots. If he doesn't win either, he'll be in line to be a swing lineman who can give Arizona reps at both spots.
What's the risk: Like most of Arizona's signings this offseason, there's very little risk in signing Froholdt. At best, he's a starter. At worst, he's a backup at two positions.
Kelvin Beachum, offensive tackle
Beachum agreed to terms on a two-year deal.
What it means: The Cardinals get some more stability on their offensive line by bringing back Beachum, who missed just two games in his first three seasons with Arizona. He started every game he's played. The Cardinals now have their tackles solidified for next season, with left tackle D.J. Humphries still under contract. Beachum has been a consistent tackle but his leadership and presence in the locker room has made him all the more valuable and will continue to do so for a team that's set to turn over about half its roster.
What's the risk: Bringing back Beachum with a deal that pays him just $3.26 guaranteed. In a lot of ways the Cardinals got a bargain if they plan on Beachum being their starting right tackle.
Ezekiel Turner, linebacker
Turner agreed to return on a one-year deal.
What it means: Turner has been a key part of the Cardinals' special teams the last few years and bringing him back keeps some stability with the unit, especially since Arizona retained special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers.
What's the risk: The risk is as minimal as there is.
Matt Prater, kicker
Prater agreed to terms on a two-year deal.
What it means: The Cardinals bring back, arguably, the second-most important player on the roster. The 38-year-old Prater is coming off a season in which he made 22 of 25 field goals and 17 of 18 extra points. He's been historically consistent, which the Cardinals, like every team, need from their kicker. A hip injury plagued Prater last season but he still missed just three field goals.
What's the risk: The biggest risk with Prater is injury. If he can't go, then the Cardinals will be forced to find a replacement, which is when things can get dicey for Arizona. He'll be 39 when the season starts so keeping his body ready may be Prater's biggest challenge in 2023.
Corey Clement, running back
Clement agreed to return on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Cardinals added depth by re-signing Clement to a one-year deal. He had just 15 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown in nine games last season. Clement will be a safety net in case James Conner goes down or needs a rest and will compete to be Conner's backup.
What's the risk: Not much. The only way Clement can really go is up after barely getting an opportunity last season. If he can impress the Cardinals' new regime enough during OTAs, minicamp and training camp to earn playing time, then Arizona will have themselves another option out of the backfield.
Greg Dortch, wide receiver
The Cardinals re-signed Dortch on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Cardinals saw how reliable Dortch, 24, can be and they wanted to keep him around for what is expected to be an inexpensive salary. Wide receiver will be one area the Cardinals will need to address this offseason but keeping Dortch, who had 52 catches for 467 yards and two touchdowns last season, gives them a solid weapon down the depth chart.
What's the risk: There's little risk to bringing back Dortch back. He's a reliable option as a third or fourth receiver and can be an option as a kick returner. He proved last season that he can take advantage of his playing time. He has great hands (no drops in 2022).