Opinion: Prime 2025 Free Agent Targets for Cardinals

Here are the players who might be the Cardinals’ top 5 UFA targets

I just started watching the “Prime Target” thriller-series on Apple TV+ starring Leo Woodall, Quintessa Swindell and Sidse Babett Knudsen. It’s captivating and fascinating!

Applying the “Prime Target” term to the Cardinals’ 2025 off-season, here are 5 UFAs who might be at the top of Monti Ossenfort’s list:

1. Milton Williams, DT, 6-3, 290, 25, Louisiana Tech, R3/21, PHI, 76.5 2024 PFF grade

• Cardinals’ connections: Jonathan Gannon, Nick Rallis

• PFF salary projection: 3 yrs/$63M, $37.5M guaranteed — $21m avg/yr

• What might it take? $40M guaranteed.

• Imagine Milton Williams starting opposite Darius Williams in the 34 and side-by-side with him in the Cardinals 4-man pass rush.

2. Zack Baun, MLB, 6-3, 225, 28, Wisconsin, R3/20 (NO), PHI, 90.1

• Cardinals’ connection: no direct toes
• Projected Contract: 3 yrs/$40M/$26.5M guaranteed — $13.33m avg/yr
• What might it take? $30M guaranteed.
• Baun fits what the Cardinals need at MIKE to a tee. He’s a good run stuffer who consistently finishes tackles and, perhaps best of all, he is the total package in zone and man pass coverages.

3. Malcolm Koonce, ED, 6-3, 250, 26, Buffalo, R3/21 LV, 81.3 (2023)

• Cardinals’ connection: New OLB coach Matt Feeney
• Missed 2024 season with knee injury.
• Projected Contract: 2 yrs/$37.5M/$20M guaranteed — $18.75m avg/yr
• What might it take? $20M guaranteed.
• Karma? Malcolm Koonce was the player the Raiders drafted in 2021 with the 3rd round pick they received from the Cardinals for C Rodney Hudson.
• Matt Feeney could convince MOJO that the reward on signing Koonce is worth the risk because Koonce’s upside is enormous.

4. Darius Slayton, WR, 6-1, 198, 28, Auburn, R5/19 NYG, 59.0

Video: Darius Slayton catches deep pass for 40-yard gain | Giants vs. Seahawks Highlights

(Note: Darius Slayton makes a few catches in the Daniel Jones’ video below)

• Cardinals’ connection: no direct ties except if the Cardinals sign QB Daniel Jones
• Slayton with his 4.39 speed, sticky hands and strong body control has led the Giants in receiving for 4 of his 6 seasons with a 15-yard per catch average.
• Projected Contract: 3 yrs/$37.5M/$25M guaranteed — $12.5m avg/yr.
• What might it take? $20M guaranteed.
• Slayton is ideal for what the Cardinals’ need—- a deep threat who can also separate quickly from the slot.

5. Daniel Jones, QB, 6-5, 230, 27, Duke, R1/19 NYG, 72.0

• Cardinals’ connections: no direct ties.
• Cardinals’ interest in Jones appears to be high.
• What might it take? A contract chock-full of incentives and some assurances that he will be given the chance to compete for the starting job or being given game-day packages.
• Function fitting form: Drew Petzing wants a smashmouth offense and Daniel Jones is a rugged, smashmouth-style QB.
• Video: Daniel Jones’ outstanding comeback performance versus the Cardinals two years ago at State Farm Stadium showcases his strengths:

[Danny Dimes leads crazy...