Amazing. GM Ted Thompson got off the sidelines and signed starting unrestricted free agent LB Brandon Chillar away from the St. Louis Rams. He didn't cost too much money and isn't guaranteed a starting job, but St. Louis wanted him back and Arizona was offering him more money.
The big upside to signing him was he provides more depth at linebacker. LB Desmond Bishop is a good backup middle linebacker, he's still a long dropoff from starting LB Nick Barnett, but there was no good backup to LB A.J. Hawk or LB Brady Poppinga.
It's possible Chillar could start ahead of Poppinga, but that shouldn't make a big difference one way or another. Chillar had a better 2007 season than Poppinga, but Poppinga was better in 2006. They may be as similar as two players in the NFL can be.
Brady Poppinga:
| Year | Total Tackles | Solo | Ast | Sack | Pass Defense | Interception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 50 | 43 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2006 | 60 | 44 | 16 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
Brandon Chillar:
| Year | Total Tackles | Solo | Ast | Sack | Pass Defense | Interception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 65 | 52 | 13 | 2.5 | 3 | 0 |
| 2006 | 56 | 55 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |