Defensive Notes
In keeping with a theme of the first couple days of free agency, defenders continue to be the focal point of roster moves. While aging running backs (Brian Westbrook, LaDainian Tomlinson) and wide receivers (Terrell Owens, Laveranues Coles) haven't found a market yet, big-name defensive players have.
The Jaguars have had one of the league's worst pass rushes in each of the last two seasons; dead last a year ago. Signing Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman, although he's coming off a torn ACL suffered in November, can only help.
The Cardinals lost two defensive starters on the first day of free agency: Karlos Dansby to the Dolphins, Antrel Rolle to the Giants. They addressed that latter loss yesterday by trading for Jets safety Kerry Rhodes. Rhodes starred with the Jets his first two season, but since then -- either because he didn't fit the defense or got too happy with a 2008 contract extension -- his performance had tailed off.
Both Kampman and Rhodes should benefit from a change of scenery. Kampman was better at defensive end than at linebacker in Green Bay's shift to a 3-4 last year. And a trade might help Rhodes rediscover a focus on football that some with the Jets apparently felt he'd lost. In any case, it looks like a step in the right direction for both the Cardinals and Jaguars' defenses, as well.
--Andy Richardson
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