The Cardinals entered the start of free agency with the third-most cap space in the NFL.

Did they use it effectively?

Check out my grades below for each of the major moves.

Signed edge rusher Josh Sweat (4 years, $76.4 million, $41 million guaranteed)

Grade: D

Analysis: This is such a Cardinals move. They missed out on the crown jewel of the free agent defensive line crop – Milton Williams – and instead overpaid for an edge who is a solid player, but is not going to inject fear into opposing linemen.

Sweat can both rush the passer and defend the run at an above average level, so he’s a useful piece, but the Cardinals needed a game-wrecker.

I fully believe Sweat was a product of a dominant defensive line, as he didn’t get nearly the attention of most standout edge-rushers since Philly was so good everywhere else. The Cardinals’ defensive front is substantially worse, and Sweat’s effectiveness will be affected by the move.

The market for Sweat clearly was not super hot, and the Cardinals made a mistake here after missing out on Williams. The smart move would have been to trade for Trey Hendrickson, who is leaps and bounds better than Sweat despite being 30 years old.

Don’t be surprised if Baron Browning is the more effective pass-rusher for the Cardinals in 2025.

Re-signed guard Evan Brown (2 years, $11.5 million)

Grade: B

Analysis: Brown started all 17 games last season and finished with a respectable 65.9 PFF grade. He was 27th among guards with a pass-block grade of 73.5, so the deal is a fine one to bring back a veteran starter.

The reason this one doesn’t get an ‘A’ is because it does limit Arizona a bit. The Cardinals talk all the time about upgrading their trenches, and now the prospect of both re-signing Will Hernandez and bringing in another talented guard is extinguished. Brown is serviceable, but he’s not a dominant player, which lowers the ceiling of the offensive line as a whole.

Re-signed edge Baron Browning (2 years, $15 million)

Grade: A

Analysis: Brown showed definite flashes of pass-rush ability once he got comfortable in Arizona. He isn’t good against the run, but can platoon with Zaven Collins at an outside linebacker spot, and together, they make a nice duo. Browning is the most polished pass-rusher on the roster at this point, and having him on the field for third downs is important.

The price may look a little high for a rotational player, but he has the most valuable skill for a defensive player. This is a smart move, and it could end up being a bargain if Browning stays healthy the next two years and capitalizes on his potential.