Despite signing a two-year contract last year, the Arizona Cardinals could trade edge rusher Zaven Collins before the 2025 regular season starts. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport thinks the Cardinals may consider trading Collins since he’s been a disappointment the last few seasons, and they have enough depth in their unit to move on. The edge rusher didn’t start in the position he is in now. Collins began his professional career as an off-ball linebacker before kicking the tires to provide some relief for the team’s pass-rushing unit.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Tulsa isn’t the most well-known edge rusher in the league, recording just five sacks, 57 total tackles and one pass defensed. While Collins won’t be the best available if the Cardinals consider trading him, he could generate some type of interest from teams since he’s in his final year of his contract, and that could save a lot of cap space for NFL rosters, which may be in dire need of an edge rusher. With Josh Sweat coming into the desert and Baron Browning and BJ Ojulari stepping in from his injury, the Cardinals could facilitate a Collins trade to net some draft capital. Collins hasn’t been the most consistent, but these five teams could provide him with a new scenery for at least one season to prove that he can earn another deal.
Report: Cardinals May Trade Former Top Pick Zaven Collins – 5 Possible Suitors
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
Last season, the Baltimore Ravens had one of the worst pass-rushing units in the league. With Odafe Oweh entering the final year of his contract as well, the Ravens could find a way to fit Collins into their billing. After losing Malik Harrison, the team can’t depend on Trenton Simpson, who had one of his worst campaigns, so Collins could provide some temporary insurance for this entire unit.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, even though they re-signed Bud Dupree to solidify their edge rushing unit alongside Khalil Mack, they need another answer. Collins doesn’t need to make an impact every play, but enough to keep the Chargers a competitive AFC team. After releasing Joey Bosa this offseason, the team has enough financial freedom to trade for Collins to bolster this defense, that one of the best when they had Poona Ford a part of this unit.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Panthers might not be done yet. Since they released Jadeveon Clowney this offseason, they need a short-term answer at least after repairing the defensive line for Derrick Brown, after they’ve acquired Tershawn Wharton. Josey Jewell hasn’t done anything phenomenal to solidify his starting spot, so Collins joining a part of this defense could make this team much better.
Washington Commanders
While they’re dealing with offseason drama on the offensive side with Terry McLaurin, they can’t ignore upgrading the linebacker unit. Even though they re-signed Bobby Wagner this offseason, there’s no guarantee he has many years of fast production in his tank. Dominique Hampton is unproven and could use someone like Collins to be a solid upgrade since they did lose Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason.
Dallas Cowboys
Things are looking bright for the Dallas Cowboys offensively, but the defense could use one more push. DeMarvion Overshown probably won’t be ready for full-time duties come week one, and they have Kenneth Murray Jr. as temporary relief. They could take the same route in this situation and salvage the unit for at least a year by trading for Collins, which would be a massive upgrade over backup Marist Liufau.
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