Cardinals' Tony Jefferson: Expected to reach open market

Jefferson (knee) is expected to reach the open market once free agency begins on March 9, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis:

Less than one year removed from receiving little interest as a restricted free agent, Jefferson will likely garner offers left and right once organizations can contact unrestricted free agents on March 7. Before reaching the final days of the 2016 league year, though, the Cardinals can negotiate with the safety, who exploded for a career-best 96 tackles (78 solo), despite missing the season finale due to a Grade 2 MCL sprain. The organization is handcuffed due to the presence of fellow unrestricted free agent defenders Calais Campbell and Chandler Jones, hence the reason Jefferson is expected to be available upon the opening of free agency.