PHX Reporter

Clocks changed for Daylight Savings on Saturday night, but not in Arizona. This timing adjustment has an impact on the Arizona Cardinals as they prepare to engage with free agents. The "legal tampering" period begins at 9 a.m. Arizona time on Monday, allowing teams to negotiate with players from other teams before contracts can officially be signed on Wednesday at 1 p.m.

The NFL salary cap has increased significantly, now standing at $279.2 million. The Cardinals have approximately $74 million in effective cap space, ranking fourth in the NFL according to overthecap.com. This amount accounts for future draft pick signings and provides significant flexibility despite potential incentives or bonuses that may reduce it.

Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort highlighted the connection between free agency and the draft strategy: "so those are things we have to collectively look at," he said. He also stated that the goal of free agency is to build a competitive roster pre-draft, offering maximum flexibility for draft decisions.

The team has been active in retaining its own players, securing a two-year deal with pass rusher Baron Browning and re-signing long snapper Aaron Brewer and special teams player Joey Blount last week. These deals are not yet reflected in their available cap space.

Additionally, the Cardinals hosted veteran defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris for a visit after his release by the Seahawks.

Recent developments include significant changes among other teams as well. The Commanders released defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and the Titans parted ways with edge rusher Harold Landry, adding notable names to positions of need for the Cardinals. However, Landry signed with the Patriots late Sunday afternoon.

In NFC West news, Seattle Seahawks made moves by cutting receiver Tyler Lockett and receiving a trade request from wide receiver DK Metcalf while trading quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders. They now face finding a new quarterback, potentially considering Sam Darnold as an option.