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Michael Bidwill said that hiring JJ Watt has already “boosted the energy” around the team, and the Cardinals owner called the addition of the defensive end a “culture change”. It remains to be seen whether Watt’s presence will attract more free agents to join the Cardinals.
But general manager Steve Keim said on Wednesday that he does not expect the Cardinals to end in freedom.
“I don’t think we’re drastically limited,” said Keim after Watt signed a two-year contract worth up to $ 31 million.
The Cardinals still have $ 9.422 million below the projected limit, according to spotrac.com.
“That’s why we structured the contract the way we did it and the way we did a number of other things financially,” said Keim, through Darren Urban on the team’s website. “These are some of the benefits that you have. . . about having a rookie quarterback on his first contract. We have a window in time where we can do a few different things and be flexible.
“At the same time, we have to be smart about this and we have to look to the future and look forward to the next three years. I always have a different view than most people. “
The Cardinals have 28 free agents, including cornerback Patrick Peterson, linebacker Haason Reddick and Kenyan running back Drake. Some will return; some won’t.
“Just by taking care of the business costs and the way things work, some of these participants will be able to return,” added Keim. “It depends on what the market is going to present.”