Arizona Cardinals Cut O’Brien Schofield

O’Brien Schofield is no longer a member of the Arizona Cardinals. Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas, USA Today Sports.

John Abraham’s signing has made Arizona Cardinals players very happy. One player, however, is likely unhappy about the move.

Linebacker O’Brien Schofield is that player.

According to Arizona Sports, Schofield was cut by the team following the signing of defensive end John Abraham. Schofield posted 10.5 sacks in three years with the Cardinals and is poised to do more in 2013, but he will have to do it elsewhere.

Schofield posted 12 sacks in 2009 with the Wisconsin Badgers, and if he can stay healthy, he can be an above-average player. He should find a home soon, as there are teams in need of outside linebackers. However, with Abraham on the team, the Cardinals aren’t one of those teams.

If the Cardinals are going to become a 4-3 defense, there would be no room for Schofield, who is a 4-3 defensive end. In the 3-4, the Cardinals will likely have Abraham switch to outside linebacker, which would have also led to the benching of Schofield.

Schofield was looking for a new contract and would have likely commanded more money than the Cardinals would have liked to give him, so this is a good move. The Cardinals are now fine financially, and they are going to receive more production from a better player (Abraham).