The Cardinals will enter free agency in a week with $67.8 million in effective cap space, the fourth most in the NFL.

Teams can begin discussions March 10 and sign free agents March 12.

Arizona's spending room creates a unique opportunity. As the Cardinals aim to emerge from three consecutive sub-.500 seasons, they have the ability to add top end talent to a core that already includes Kyler Murray, James Conner, Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Budda Baker.

Their top positions of need include edge rusher, interior defensive line, offensive guard, inside linebacker, cornerback and wide receiver.

This is Part 4 of our series, looking at the available inside linebackers. The Cardinals could simply opt to re-sign Kyzir White. If not, they’ll need to find a new inside linebacker to pair with Mack Wilson Sr., a versatile player who can line up all over the defense.

Group 1: Pass coverage standouts

Greenlaw, who turns 28 in May, missed nearly all of 2024 but by the time next season kicks off, he will be 19 months removed from his torn Achilles suffered in Super Bowl LVIII. Assuming he’s back to full health, he could be an ideal fit for the Cardinals as a player who excels in pass coverage. In White, the Cardinals had a solid run defender this past season but he struggled mightily in coverage. Presumably, they’ll be looking to upgrade in that area if they add a linebacker in free agency — which is why this list is separated into players who are best in coverage and those who are best against the run.

Baun was possibly the best linebacker in the NFL this season and he was incredible against the pass, earning a 91.2 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. If he continues that production, he would be a huge boost to the Cardinals defense. His performance, though, was far more mixed in New Orleans, so the team that lands him will be making a bet that he can continue to play at an All-Pro level outside of an Eagles defense that has a knack for maximizing talent.

Group 2: Reliable run defenders

Bolton, who turns 25 March 10, has been a stalwart in the middle of the Chiefs defense for four years and played nearly every snap this past season before being rested in Week 18. But while he would provide stability to the Cardinals as a reliable middle linebacker, he can get picked on in coverage — though not to the extent that White was picked on this past season.

The Cardinals saw some of Jones’ coverage abilities in Week 14, when he duped Kyler Murray into a dangerous throw over the middle by flipping his hips away from Marvin Harrison Jr., Murray’s intended receiver. Overall, though, he can struggle in coverage. This season, he allowed 43 catches for 447 yards on 53 targets. His strength comes in the run game, where he racked up 14 tackles for loss in 2023.

After three years as a little-used reserve, Sherwood earned a starting role this season and immediately became one of the Jets’ rare bright spots. He led the NFL with 98 solo tackles, including 10 for loss. And as a former safety, he is capable in coverage, although his PFF grades are better against the run.

Like Sherwood, Spillane excels as a run stopper, with 91 solo tackles and 10 tackles for loss this season. But he has always graded out well below average against the pass. This season, he was credited with allowing 54 receptions for 559 yards on 64 targets — although he does occasionally have a nose for the ball, with five interceptions over the past two years. That element was often lacking from the Cardinals defense in 2024 and could be enticing to coach Jonathan Gannon.

Group 3: Unlikely veterans

Wagner turns 35 in June, having put together an incredibly impressive season in Washington reminiscent of his peak years in Seattle. But while he would be a coveted piece in free agency, he has spoken publicly about a desire to return to the Commanders. He built a strong friendship with Jayden Daniels and wants to spend his remaining years with a Super Bowl contender. Given those factors, it seems unlikely that he would leave an ideal situation in Washington.

Compared to Wagner, it seems slightly more plausible that David could switch teams this offseason. Still, he’s spent his entire 13-year career with the Buccaneers. The most likely options would seem to be retirement or a return to Tampa Bay. If not, he would be a valued veteran presence in free agency, even if he no longer has the speed to be as effective in coverage as he once was.