Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) intercepts a pass intended for New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) in the first half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 17, 2023. Syndication: Arizona Republic
GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals can generate nearly $90 million in cap space this offseason if it cuts players with some big money and no guarantees. Many fans and experts see that as an opportunity to go out and sign a new, exciting player to the roster to improve the team. However, general manager Monti Ossenfort could look to use that extra cash to bring back safety free agent Jalen Thompson back on the roster.
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NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal ranked the top 101 free agents in this year’s class, and Thompson came in at 73rd overall and sixth for all safeties.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Should Arizona try to retain Thompson?
Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft, the 27-year-old has made an impact on the field. Thompson slide in perfectly right next to All-Pro safety Budda Baker, and the duo have become the overseers of Arizona’s defense. In 2021 and 2022, Thompson had back to back 100+ tackles seasons and combined for five touchdowns during that span.
Oct 21, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) celebrates with linebacker Jesse Luketa (43) after recovering a fumble from the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Cardinals gave him a three-year, $36 million deal following the 2022 season and he has remained a healthy and critical part of the secondary. In 99 career games, Thompson has 397 solo tackles and nine interceptions, both of which he’s top 2 on the teal since his arrival.
After 3-14 record, fans are ready for a change of guard, which is understandable. However, Thompson’s production, and close relationship with Baker, makes him a critical piece to the secondary group that has many inexperienced cornerbacks in the room. Ossenfort could aim to try to bring back Thompson on a similar deal compared to his 2022 extension.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
