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Arizona Cardinals' 2020 NFL free-agent signings: Arizona native Devon Kennard returns

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How Cardinals' free agency moves impact their draft decisions (0:32)

Josh Weinfuss explains how each of the Cardinals' moves in free agency, including trading for DeAndre Hopkins, was strategic as he looks ahead to the NFL draft. (0:32)

NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2020 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from Bill Barnwell. The new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, which means free-agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2020 NFL draft begins April 23.

Here's a breakdown of every 2020 NFL free-agent signing by the Arizona Cardinals, and how each will impact the upcoming season:


De'Vondre Campbell, linebacker

The former Atlanta Falcon agreed to a one-year deal with the Cardinals.

What it means: Campbell adds more depth at linebacker. He's versatile, giving Arizona the option to play him off the edge or at inside linebacker alongside Jordan Hicks. He's also another option to cover tight ends, which has been one of the Cardinals' primary defensive issues the last few years. Adding Campbell may mean less playing time for Joe Walker.

What's the risk: Campbell is another low-risk signing for the Cardinals. He's been consistent, playing 16 games in each of the last three seasons. The biggest risk is if Walker beats him out for the spot and the Cardinals spent all that money on a backup.


Devon Kennard, outside linebacker

Veteran pass-rusher Devon Kennard agreed to a three-year deal with the Cardinals on Wednesday after being released by the Lions on Tuesday.

What it means: Kennard returns home to Arizona to compete to be the Cardinals' starting edge rusher opposite Chandler Jones. It's a similar role to what he played the last two seasons in Detroit, where he had seven sacks in each of the past two seasons.

What's the risk: Fit is the biggest risk. He'll be competing against Haason Reddick for snaps off the edge and if Reddick wins the job, Kennard's role will be something that the Cardinals will need to address.


Jordan Phillips, defensive tackle

Phillips has agreed to a three year, $30 million deal with the Cardinals.

What it means: Phillips fills one of the Cardinals major holes this offseason on the defensive line. After releasing two defensive tackles during training camp last season, the Cardinals had a limited rotation up front. That resulted in a lack of push up the middle to complement Chandler Jones' elite edge rushing. With Phillips teaming with nose tackle Corey Peters, Arizona gets the much needed pressure up the middle, which can change the dynamics of its defense overnight.

What's the risk: There doesn't seem to be much risk. Phillips has played in 76 of a possible 80 games in his career, so he doesn't come to Arizona with a history of injuries.


Kenyan Drake, running back

The Cardinals placed the transition tag on Drake, the team announced Monday.

What it means: Drake will be able to negotiate a long-term deal with another team, but the Cardinals have the right of first refusal. This allows the Cardinals to see what Drake's market is without of losing him outright. The Cardinals traded David Johnson to the Texans on Monday. Drake can't sign a deal with another team until Wednesday.

What's the risk: There's actually little risk to the transition tag. Arizona will get to see what offers Drake is commanding from a safe distance and then decide if they want to match. There's the chance the Cardinals lose Drake to another team if the offer he receives is too large, which would leave Arizona with Chase Edmonds in the backfield.