No Drop of the Ball Here, Early Doucet Released by the Arizona Cardinals

Dec 24, 2011; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Early Doucet (85) reacts to missing the game winning pass with seconds left in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Cardinals 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Early Doucet, it was nice knowing you.  Reports have surfaced that the Arizona Cardinals have released the wide receiver from LSU.  With injuries and very inconsistent performance plus a savings on the salary cap, it was only a matter of time Doucet’s Cardinals career would be coming to an end.

Doucet had his opportunities.  No one can argue that.  Although he fought a couple of injuries during his time in Arizona, he was still kept around to be a given a chance to grab the number two or three receiver.  At times though, he couldn’t even hold down the number four spot.  He dropped a lot of passes during his tenure here.

One of the biggest flops of his time in Arizona was back in the 2011 season in the Christmas Eve game against the Cincinnati Bengals.  He was wide open in the end zone in the fourth quarter of a game the Cardinals had trailed most of the day.  The touchdown would have tied the game.  A win could have helped propel the Cards into the playoffs.  He tripped over himself and dropped the pass.  It was a play that defined his time here.

Sure, the Cards could have given him one more shot at attempting to make something of himself here.  However he was destined to a number four spot at best.  By cutting him, the Cards save $1.7 against the salary cap.  This was a move a long time coming and quite frankly in my opinion, should have come a year ago.  I wish him luck but this is a positive move for the Cardinals today.