CBS NFL Insider: Don’t Bet On A.P. to AZ

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Well, at least one of the busiest for NFL general managers and staffers around the league with free-agency set to officially open in just a few days.

Steve Keim and the Arizona Cardinals have already made their way to the top of trending topics and national headlines bringing back one familiar face to the nest (Larry Fitzgerald) and more recently cutting another (Darnell Dockett).

Despite last year’s success the Cards have needs. Some would argue none more glaring than running back where starter Andre Ellington’s health remains a question heading into the off-season. The upcoming draft is heavy with big-time backs and plenty of college production.

There’s also some homerun-hitting free-agents like DeMarco Murray and most notably Adrian Peterson.

“I really don’t see them going out there and doing something big in free-agency,” Jason La Canfora told Sports360AZ.com’s Brad Cesmat in a recent phone interview. “I don’t see them being involved in the Adrian Peterson market.”

He believes adding depth and production along the defensive line, after Dockett signed with the San Francisco 49ers recently, is near the top of Keim’s wish list. The market bears some interesting names like Haloti Ngata and Vince Wolfork-two of the better interior lineman in the game.

La Canfora says knowing when to re-sign and when to cut loose players like the aging Dockett, who’s coming off a serious knee injury, is “the life blood” of any good organization.

The Dallas Cowboys have long been rumored to have interest in Peterson and it could become a reality if Jerry Jones lets Murray walk to chase the Texas native Peterson who spends his off-seasons in Houston.