Bryant McFadden Lands with Arizona Cardinals

Where would the NFL be without free agency? It probably would have self-destructed years ago.

With all of the contract disputes, trade demands, and holdouts, free agency has been the NFL's best friend and worst enemy all wrapped up into one.

In Arizona's case, free agency has been both. They have had some casualties to free agency (Calvin Pace), but they have also won in that aspect.

One of their prizes came this past offseason. They signed former Pittsburgh Steeler cornerback Bryant McFadden, addressing an immediate need to a young secondary.

McFadden brings everything you could possibly want in a free agent. Experience? Check. Winning tradition? Check. Super Bowl championships? CHECK!

McFadden brings stability to the corner position, something Roderick Hood could not provide this past season. He's not a star, not by any means, but he's an up and coming shutdown corner. McFadden has been used primarily in Nickel and Dime packages, but he's also been in the starting rotation.

He started eight games in 2008 and performed well, racking up 41 tackles, 37 of which were solo, and two interceptions with eight passes deflected.

What will be asked of McFadden upon his arrival to the Cardinals? A lot more. He will be dealt a whole new deck of cards full of new responsibilities.

He's still young enough to be a shutdown corner in this league, but he's at that age where he can be a mentor. He will be asked to help in the progression of young and talented second year cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

At the same time he will be asked to embrace a starting role, something he has been longing for ever since he entered this league five years ago.

McFadden should pair up nicely with Rodgers-Cromartie to form a solid cornerback duo. 

The Cardinals waited only 10 days into the free agency period to ink McFadden to a two-year contract. They are looking towards right now instead of at the future.

They have shown they want to continue the winning trend. With the signing of McFadden and the great rookie class, the Cards' are poised for a big year.