Cardinals Overhauling In Free Agency

The Cardinals have signed linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, cornerback Jerraud Powers, saftey Yerimah Bell, quarterback Drew Stanton and running back Rashard Mendenhall.

The Cardinals signed quarterback Drew Stanton 3 year, $8.3 million contract, that's guaranteed another $3 million. Stanton's signing has lead to Kevin Kolb's release as the Cardinals roster now includes 4 QB: John Skelpton, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Lidley, and Drew Stanton. Stanton has only started 5 games in his career, but does have some expierence under his belt, learning from Matthew Stafford. Stanton should take over as the starting QB.

The Cardinals signed special teams star Lorenzo Alexander to a 3 year, $9.5 million deal. Alexander now has a chance to start at one of the inside linebacker positions in Arizona. Last season, Alexander covered kicks and punts very well as earned a 2013 Pro Bowl nod. Alexander will now have to prove that he can be a solid starter in the NFL. He does turn 30 though, but age shouldn't slow Alexander though because he should bring his special teams talents to defense.

After releasing saftey Kerry Rhodes, the Cardinals replaced him after signing Yeremiah Bell to a one year deal. Bell was coming off a one year deal while playing with the New York Jets last season. Bell didn't play as well as Rhodes did defensivlely, but is still a talented player. Bell had 89 tackles and 2 picks for an inconsistent Jets defense. Signing Bell saves the Cardinals money, but he won't be as effective as Kerry Rhodes.

After losing cornerback William Gay to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cardinals depth at cornerback was as thin as a piece of paper. That's why the went out and signed Jerraud Powers to a 3 year, $10 million contract. Powers will fill in Gay's shoes as the opposite corner of Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson. Powers never started a game last season with the Colts, but played effectivley in the nickel. Powers will probably play the same position he did in Indy and should help shore up a needed position.

With Beanie Wells gone and LaRod Stephens-Howling an unrestriced free agent, the Cardinals needed a running back that would be effective in Bruce Arians offense. They reunited former Steeler Rashard Mendenhall with Bruce Arians to fill in this need. Mendenhall was signed to a one year, $2.5 milllion contract. When Mendenhall was with Arians in Pittsburgh, he did a great job running the football. Mendenhall averaged at least 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns during Bruce Arians tenure as offensive coordinator with the Steelers. Mendenhall is a bruising back who can break off long runs in open space. The addition of Mendenall should make the Cardinals running game a lot more effective.