The three most important trade deadline targets for the Cardinals – sports coverage

It’s been an unlikely journey, but almost halfway through the season, the Cardinals sit atop the NFC West via a tiebreaker.

They have a negative 27-point differential and aren’t as talented as the San Francisco 49ers, but now that it’s a nine-game sprint to the finish, GM Monti Ossenfort needs to give this team a shot at the division crown.

The offense has found its groove and the spot that needs to be upgraded is clearly edge rusher. The Cardinals had the worst group in the NFL on paper heading into the season and have now lost their two most effective pass rushers – BJ Ojulari and Dennis Gardeck – to season-ending injuries.

So who should be the target? Here are the three I would pursue, in descending order:

3. Baron Browning, Broncos

Browning has zero sacks this season and is now a backup, so the cost wouldn’t be too high. But the converted off-ball linebacker had 9.5 combined sacks in 2022 and 2023.

He’s not a dynamic presence, but he would be a clear upgrade for a team that has virtually nothing on the edge. Browning is too small to consistently play against the run, but Darius Robinson could be back soon and he can be deployed at the edge on early downs.

Browning is in the final year of his rookie contract, so the cap hit would be negligible, and if he performs well, the Cardinals could look to extend him to take over Gardeck’s role.

Projected compensation: 2025 sixth-round pick

2. Josh Uche, Patriots

Uche had 11.5 sacks in 2022 and has two in seven games this season. Uche just turned 26, so this could be a long-term piece if the Cardinals make the trade.

New England is one of the worst teams in the NFL and Uche is on an expiring contract, so it makes sense to sign him for draft capital. There could be plenty of suitors, as Uche has a cap hit of just $2.94 million this season.

Uche isn’t having a three-plus sack season besides his breakout 2022 campaign, so it’s up to Arizona to believe in his abilities. GM Monti Ossenfort certainly still has connections in New England, which could help get this deal done.

Expected compensation: 2025 fourth-round pick

1. Azeez Ojulari, Giants

The best move for the Cardinals at the trade deadline would also be the biggest splash. Ojulari already has four sacks in seven games this season heading into Monday Night Football.

The former second-round pick is only 24 years old and would certainly be a man to acquire not only for 2024, but for the future as well. Ojulari is the brother of BJ Ojulari from Arizona, and together they can form a strong duo for years to come.

As for the present, Ojulari would immediately give Arizona a legitimate threat, which would make the quarterbacks uncomfortable and also make the job easier for his less talented brethren on the line.

Ojulari is in the final year of his rookie deal, so the cap implications are minimal. If Arizona is serious about making a push for the playoffs this season, a trade for Ojulari is the way to go.

Expected compensation: 2025 third-round pick