Arizona Cardinals Sign Two Defensive Linemen

Sep 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (97) leaves the field after playing the San Diego Chargers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chargers defeated the Eagles 33-30. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since defensive linemen, Darnell Dockett, was lost due to a torn ACL, the Arizona Cardinals have been looking for answers on the defensive line. The Cardinals first tried to bring in defensive linemen, Brett Keisel, but Keisel would ultimately return back to the Pittsburgh Steelers after seeing the Cardinals were interested in possibly picking him up.

A few days go by and, out of no where, the Cardinals made another attempt to sign a defensive linemen and, this time, they would be successful. The Cardinals would sign Isaac Sopoaga who last played for the New England Patriots last season. Sopoaga is a huge guy coming in at 6’2′ weighing 330lbs.

Sopoaga struggled much of last season as he we would be cut by the Philadelphia Eagles and then sign with the Patriots shortly after. Sopoaga was then released by the Patriots back in March.

The possibility of Sopoaga starting on the Cardinals’ defensive line is slim but Sopoaga could prove to be a quality backup who could come in on a limited basis.

The Cardinals’ day would not be over, though, as they would make, yet, another signing shortly after Sopoaga. The Cardinals would sign Ryan McBean, who is another defensive linemen.

McBean has not played a down in a NFL game since  2011, which is concerning to say the least. In 2011, McBean started for the Denver Broncos and would play in all 16 regular season games. Ever since, McBean has failed a drug test which prevented him from playing in the first 6 games in 2012 and, as a result, would lose his starting role on the squad.

Now, McBean will get a shot at redemption as playing time with the Cardinals just opened up after the Darnell Dockett injury. Like with Sopoaga, it is hard to see McBean being a starter with the Cardinals. This does, though, give the Cardinals extra depth in an area where there was not much depth to begin with on the defensive line.

We shall see how this will affect the Arizona Cardinals’ defense this year and, while the impact may appear to be slim at first, it could be a perfect match with both, Sopoaga and McBean. Both players have been looking for another chance to show what they still have left in the tank and the Cardinals are now able to give them this exact opportunity.

The Cardinals did the right thing in bringing in veteran depth rather than go after a star player (which does not exist anyway). These are no-risk moves where the Cardinals could only benefit from. Hopefully these moves are enough to keep the Arizona Cardinals near the top in the league in overall defense, although, it will be a struggle to get back to that point this season.

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